Masked Hamas gunmen paraded four female Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, as they were released under a truce that will also set free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

In a carefully choreographed stunt in central Gaza City, the four women smiled, waved and gave a thumbs-up on stage, as they were presented to a crowd of Hamas fighters brandishing assault rifles and grenade launchers.

Later on Saturday, the hostages safely crossed the border into Israel to be reunited with their families.