Recent footage released by the Israeli military captures the heartfelt moments of families reuniting, showcasing the intense emotions experienced during these encounters.
One particularly moving scene features Matan Zangauker being warmly embraced by his mother, Einav Zangauker.
“My life, you are my life … you are a hero,” cried Einav Zangauker as she embraced her smiling son Matan, in one video.
“Love of your mother, bless you, bless you, my dear.”
Eitan Mor (middle) aboard an Israeli military helicopter with his family. Source: AFP / Israeli Army
Eitan Mor’s father wailed in relief as he and the young man’s mother squeezed him tight, the footage showed.
Bar Kuperstein waves from the window of a bus at Sheba Tel-HaShomer Medical Centre in Ramat Gan, Israel. Source: AFP / Ahmad Gharabli
Other young hostages such as Bar Kuperstein and Yosef Haim Ohana waved from the windows of vans that brought them to the Sheba medical centre near Tel Aviv, as cheering crowds nearby raised Israeli flags.
Freed Israeli-German twins Gali and Ziv Berman smiled and gave the thumbs-up, wearing the yellow and blue shirts of their favourite football team, Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Ziv (left) and Gali (right) Berman after being handed over in the prisoner-hostage swap. Source: AFP / Israeli Army
Hostages’ families rejoice
“It’s so exciting and overwhelming that it’s finally happening,” said Shelly Bar Nir, 34.
Omri Miran (left) was received by a family member. Source: AFP / Israeli Army
“What we’ve been fighting for, for over two years — finally our hostages are coming home.”
“I’m torn between emotion and sadness for those who won’t be coming back,” she said.
Elkana Bohbot greeted upon his arrival at the Sheba Tel-HaShomer Medical Centre. Source: AFP / Ahmad Gharabli
Hamas and its militant allies took 251 hostages into Gaza during the October 7 attack on Israel in 2023.
Since that day, Noga has worn a small badge each day, counting the days of their captivity.
‘Welcome home’
Israel later confirmed all living 20 hostages had returned to the country, with a series of posts on X that read: “Welcome home”.
Avinatan Or greets well-wishers upon arriving at Beilinson Hospital in the Rabin Medical Centre in Petah Tikva, Israel. Source: AFP / Menahem Kahana
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the main organisation representing their relatives, had called on people to gather at the site with the yellow ribbons.
Israel did not expect all of the dead hostages to be returned on Monday.