Numerous police forces are on the scene in Bat Yam, a spokesperson said.

They are believed to include the Bibas family, who for Israel have become a symbol of the captives.

Many held out hope that the Bibas family might have still been alive.

Eli Sherabi's family barely recognised him when he was freed by Hamas after 16 months in captivity.

Steve Brisley reunites with his brother-in-law more than a year after he was captured by Hamas.

The Palestinian group claims that Shiri and her children Kfir and Ariel were killed in Israeli bombardment. Israel has not confirmed this.

Soldiers will stay in five places around the border, Israel says - a move condemned by Lebanon.

The kingdom has gone from pariah to potential peacemaker in recent years.