Israel's militia allies in southern Lebanon, the South Lebanon Army, say they have freed twenty-five detainees from Khiam prison, in the zone Israel occupies.

The twenty-two men and three women were handed over to officials from the International Committee of the Red Cross.

An SLA statement said the releases were to coincide with the end of Ramadan, but gave no further details.

The releases had been expected last week but were delayed.

It's estimated that at least one-hundred and twenty Lebanese are still being held without trial in Khiam jail, which has been repeatedly criticised by human rights groups.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service