Freed hostages Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami have crossed into Israel after 491 days in Hamas captivity, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

All three were taken out of the Gaza Strip by Israeli special forces after being handed over to them by the Red Cross.

The IDF said it took them to a facility near the border for initial physical and mental examinations and to meet with family members.

According to the Times of Israel, Israel will release 183 Palestinian prisoners in return.