The founder of the militant Hamas movement, Sheikh Yassin, has been released from house arrest by the Palestinian authorities.

A crowd of his supporters greeted him as he emerged in his wheelchair from his home in Gaza City.

Sheikh Yassin was placed under house arrest two months ago after Israel and the Palestinian Authority signed their latest peace agreement.

Correspondents say his release is likely to increase tensions between the two sides, who've accused each other of violating the accord.

The Israeli government has suspended implementation of the deal.