PHOTOS: Tears and relief such as liberated Israeli hostage families embrace after two years in captivity

Seven Israeli hostages held by Hamas for more than two years returned home, leading to the moving scenes of reunion and relief, while embracing their families for the first time since their captivity. The hostage-Eitan Mor, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Omri Miran, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel-are by staff of the Israeli Defense (IDF) and the Israeli security agency to Israel. According to an update shared by Israel War Room on X, the group underwent initial medical checks before being reunited with their loved ones. Families and officials met at a military facility near Re’im, where emotional moments unfolded as the liberated hostages were welcomed. “You come home. There is no war. There is no war. It’s over. I love you (sic), ‘said Einav Zangauer to her son Matan, a few minutes after his release. Her words caught the relief and disbelief by many people after years of uncertainty. Alon Ohel’s family expressed a similar gratitude and said, “He stands on his own” as they celebrated his return. In the hours before the transfer, some families were able to talk to their family members for the first time in two years, according to social media posts. Hamas reportedly facilitated these short phone calls, which provided a rare opportunity for emotional connection before its release. The IDF said that its commanders and soldiers accompanied the liberated hostages during their journey home, greeted and embraced with their arrival. The military also called on the public to respect the privacy of the individuals and their families during the recovery process. Maj Gen (res) Nitzan Alon and Maj Gen Shlomi Binder supervised the operation, along with intelligence chief Maj Gen Aharon Zamir, who described the mission as one of the deep personal and national interest. The exemption is an important moment in the continued ceasefire process in Gaza and has offered some ease for families and communities affected by the prolonged conflict. While paying attention to ensuring the release of remaining hostages, the reunions of Monday gave a rare moment of hope.