The second batch of hostages has been freed by the Islamic group Hamas.

Israel reported that the group released 13 Israelis and four Thai nationals.

Vehicles belonging to the International Committee of the Red Cross were seen at the Rafah crossing late on Saturday night. The crossing is situated on the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.

Hamas had delayed the transfer of the second group of captives. It announced that the handover would only take place when Israel allowed aid trucks to reach northern Gaza.

But a spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry issued a statement later. He said the obstacles that had delayed the release had been overcome. Egypt also reportedly participated in the negotiations.

The truce agreement between Israel and Hamas calls for the group to hand over 50 captives during a four-day pause in fighting.

The first set liberated by Hamas on Friday included 24 individuals. Thirteen Israelis were among them.

Israel permitted 39 Palestinian women and children to leave its prisons in exchange.

The Qatari spokesperson said 33 children and six women will be freed from Israeli prisons this time.