Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed revenge for what he described as a “cruel and malicious violation” of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

Hamas militants have released the bodies of four more hostages from the Gaza Strip more than 16 months after they were taken captive.

The bodies of the youngest Israelis held hostage by the militant Hamas group have been returned to Israel, dashing the hopes of a nation hoping for a happier ending.

Hamas has released the remains of three Israeli hostages as part of a fragile ceasefire that began in January, but Israeli officials said a fourth body handed over was that of Palestinian woman.