Israel has released a member of the Palestinian national football team who lobbied for his freedom by going on hunger strike for more than three months.

Mahmoud Sarsak greeted well-wishers in his native Gaza on Tuesday after three years in Israeli custody without charges or trial.

Israel has accused Sarsak of being active in Islamic Jihad, a claim he has denied.

During his hunger strike, the 25-year-old athlete shed nearly half his weight.

He ended the fast last month as part of a deal for his release. International sports organisations had sought his release.

At a Gaza hospital, Sarsak emerged from an ambulance and kissed his parents and siblings.

Israel had said earlier that he was to be released on Tuesday.