Hamas has handed over five out of six hostages due to be released in Gaza on Saturday, the final living captives whom the warring sides agreed would be released when a ceasefire began last month.

Hamas is preparing to release a total of six living hostages in two separate locations of the Gaza Strip -- the city of Rafah and the Nuseirat refugee camp.

Hamas freed two hostages and was set to release four more from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, after Israel confirmed that a body handed over hours earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.