The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the release and transfer of three captives out of Gaza to Israel, and 90 Palestinian detainees from Israel to the occupied Palestinian territory yesterday, the organisation confirmed, Al Jazeera reports.

“We are relieved that those released can be reunited with their loved ones,” ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said.

“Ensuring their safe return and providing the necessary care at this critical moment is a great responsibility. This operation is a powerful example of how our role as a neutral actor between the warring sides can save and change lives, provided that the parties come to an agreement,” Spoljaric said.

The ICRC described the operation as “complex”, and one requiring “rigorous security measures”.

“Navigating large crowds and heightened emotions posed challenges during the transfers, and in Gaza, ICRC teams had to manage the dangers posed by unexploded ordnances and destroyed infrastructure,” the ICRC added.

The organisation urged all parties to adhere to the requirements of the ceasefire and said it was ready to “significantly scale up its humanitarian response” in Gaza.