The six Israelis were the last living captives set to be released in the first phase of the cease-fire. The agreement, strained for weeks, has an uncertain future.

In what was set to be the largest swap under January’s ceasefire agreement, six hostages were freed, but the release of some 600 Palestinian prisoners was delayed. It comes after Shiri Bibas’s body was returned by Hamas.

Hamas on Saturday released the last six living hostages expected under the first phase of its ceasefire with Israel with a week remaining, as growing questions over the next phase clouded the fragile deal 's future.