Israeli boy reunited with family after more than six weeks in Hamas captivity

An Israeli boy who was kidnapped by Hamas has been reunited with his family more than six weeks after he was taken prisoner.

Ohad Munder, nine, was one of 13 hostages released after the warring sides agreed to a pause in the fighting.

More hostages expected to be released – live updates

In touching footage released by Israel‘s Schneider Children’s Medical Center, he is seen running down a corridor to embrace his father.

Ohad’s mother Keren, a teacher and volleyball coach also taken hostage during Hamas‘s attack on 7 October, is seen hugging other family members.

Ms Munder and her son were visiting his grandmother Ruthy when all three were kidnapped.

Ohad’s grandfather was also taken and is thought to still be in captivity.

Ohad’s brother Roi Zichri said the family are “not celebrating” until “all the hostages are released”.

“We need to carry on and not stop our struggle,” he said in a video.

‘The dream has come true’

Two young girls and their mother were also reunited with family at the hospital.

Doron Katz Asher, 34, joined daughters Raz, four, and Aviv, two, in hugging her husband Yoni.

Raz told her father: “I dreamt that we went home.”

“Now the dream has come true,” he replied.

Prisoner swaps set to continue

In total, Hamas kidnapped some 240 people.

The 13 prisoners released earlier were handed over after Israel released 39 Palestinians.

They were detained accused of a range of offences, from throwing stones to attempted murder.

Israel is preparing to release another 42 prisoners, with the country’s prisons service saying it has agreed to release three prisoners for every one hostage freed by Hamas.

Read more:
Could truce see Hamas gain initiative?
Why there’s huge controversy over hostage deal

‘Huge relief’ to see hostages return

The truce deal, which was mediated by Qatar, is expected to see some 50 women and children freed from Hamas captivity over the course of the weekend.

It began on Friday with 24 Hamas hostages released from Gaza via the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.

Britain’s new foreign secretary, David Cameron, who met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders earlier this week, described the scenes of hostages being returned as a “huge relief”.

He added on X: “My thoughts are with all of those families who have been going through unimaginable trauma, especially those still waiting for their loved ones to come home.”

The pause in fighting is set to last until Monday, though Egyptian officials have suggested it could be extended for one or two days.

Diaa Rashwan, the head of the country’s state information service, said there were “positive signals” as talks with both sides continue.