Joyful reunion: 7 hostages return from Hamas captivity; Israeli families share happy moments

One of the hostage Alon Ohel’s family celebrates the coming of their son (Image/X)

Seven hostages held by Hamas for over two years have returned safely to Israel, reuniting with their families in emotional scenes of joy and relief. The hostages Eitan Mor, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Omri Miran, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel were escorted by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli Security Agency (ISA) personnel from Gaza to Israeli territory, where they underwent initial medical assessments, according to an X post by Israel War Room.“You’re coming home. There’s no war. There’s no war. It’s over. I love you,” said Einav Zangauker to her son Matan, minutes after his release, capturing the raw emotion of families finally reunited with their loved ones.Alon Ohel’s family also expressed overwhelming gratitude: “He’s standing on his own,” they said, celebrating his safe return.Ahead of their release, several families of hostages held by Hamas were able to speak with their loved ones for the first time in two years, according to a social media post. Hamas facilitated these calls, giving families a brief but emotional opportunity to connect before the hostages returned to Israel.The IDF confirmed that the returning hostages were met and accompanied by commanders and soldiers who saluted and embraced them along the journey. The military urged the public to act responsibly and respect the privacy of the returning hostages, relying only on official information.Israeli forces have named the effort “Operation Returning Home”. The IDF Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, is overseeing the operation from the Hostage and Missing Persons Situation Room.“This is a very significant day. We are succeeding in realizing a key part of the defined war objectives. This is an event in which you have accomplished something tremendous, together with the IDF troops on the front line. Our mission will not end until the last hostage is returned,” Zamir said.The seven freed hostages were transferred to a military facility near Re’im for initial medical checkups and reunions with their families. The IDF is prepared to receive the remaining 13 living hostages, who are expected to be handed over to the Red Cross later on.Maj Gen (Res) Nitzan Alon and Maj Gen Shlomi Binder joined Zamir in supervising the operation, which the IDF describes as a sacred mission to ensure all hostages are safely returned to Israel.The release comes as a major milestone in the ongoing US-brokered Gaza ceasefire and marks a step forward in humanitarian and diplomatic efforts in the region, bringing hope to families and communities affected by the conflict.President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on Monday. He is expected to meet with the families of the returning hostages and deliver remarks at the Knesset (Israel’s parliament).