FAMILIES OF FREED HOSTAGES CELEBRATE AS RELATIVES OF THE DEAD EXPRESS ANGER OVER DELAYS. (PHOTO).

 Families of freed hostages celebrate as relatives of the dead express anger over delays

Families of the living hostages freed by Hamas after more than two years in captivity are expressing relief and gratitude as their loved ones return to Israel.

Seven hostages — Eitan Mor, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Omri Miran, Alon Ohel, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal — were the first to be returned under the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Omri Miran’s family released a statement on Monday after his handover to Israeli troops, saying, “After more than 700 long, painful, and agonizing days, Omri will finally receive from Roni and Alma a healing embrace.” The statement praised Israel’s security forces and IDF soldiers while calling the return a moment of national, not just personal, significance. “We remain committed to the struggle — until the last hostage returns, and until the complete recovery of our beloved country,” the family said.

Eitan Mor’s family also shared their joy, saying, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it,” and noting the emotional reunion after two years apart.

At the same time, the Hostage Families Forum expressed frustration over the return of only four of the 28 bodies of hostages still believed to be in Gaza, accusing Hamas of violating the agreement. “The hostage families were shocked and dismayed to learn that only 4 bodies of deceased hostages will be returned today,” the statement said. The group called on Israel and mediators to act immediately to address what they described as a “grave injustice,” emphasizing that the families of the deceased continue to endure profound sorrow and will not abandon the effort to secure the return of all hostages.