KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas freed eight hostages on Thursday as part of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, but the chaotic handover of some of the captives, who were shuttled through a rowdy crowd of thousands by masked militants, drew an angry protest from Israel.

Israel also released 110 Palestinian prisoners. The swaps are a key part of a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the war.

Hamas confirmed the death of its military chief Mohammed Deif on Thursday. "The Al-Qassam Brigades announce (...) the martyrdom of a group of

Hamas confirmed for the first time on Thursday that Israeli killed the head of its military wing, Mohammed Deif, in an airstrike last year. Deif was one of the alleged

After many months of keeping silent on the matter, Hamas announced the death of seven of the organization’s senior leaders, including longtime military commander Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al Masri, commonly known as Muhammad Deif.

Three more Israeli and five Thai hostages have been released by Palestinian militants from captivity and returned to Israel, after being held for more than 15 months in Gaza.

Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007 ... military confirmed that the head of Hamas‘ military wing, Mohammed Deif, was killed in an airstrike in Gaza in July.

Israel has failed to defeat Hamas, but Palestinians in Gaza express mixed feelings about the group remaining in power.

The episode uncovers details about Hamas' preparations for the surprise attack in southern Israel which would trigger the 15-month war in Gaza.