Hundreds of Palestinians gather in Khan Younis for Israeli captives' release

Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in Khan Younis in southern Gaza near the family home of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on Thursday in anticipation of two Israeli captives being released.

Onlookers clambered over smashed concrete on the upper floors of buildings, devastated in Israel's war on Gaza, hoping to catch a glimpse of Gadi Mozes, an 80-year-old Israeli-German, and Arbel Yehud, a 29-year-old Israeli woman.

"We came to witness these historic moments of handing over the prisoners. We feel proud of the resistance - they preserved the lives of the prisoners throughout the days of the occupation's war of extermination," Mohammed al-Astal, 32, told AFP from Khan Younis.

"The resistance's choice of the home of the martyred leader Yahya Sinwar for the handover encouraged thousands of citizens to participate and celebrate the ceremony. Everyone is eager for moments of joy," he added.