FAMILIES of Israeli hostages released from Gaza breathed a sigh of relief as their loved ones returned home alive after weeks of captivity by Hamas.
The first group of hostages taken captive by the Palestinian militant group has finally returned to Israel.
Twenty-four hostages including 13 Israelis were released in exchange for 39 Palestinian prisoners on Friday.
Dozens of trucks carrying humanitarian aid and fuel have also entered the war-torn enclave.
At least 50 hostages are expected to be freed from Gaza and 150 Palestinians from Israel during the four-day truce.
The Israeli air force deployed a military transport plane to help bring back the hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the military’s goal to bring back all the hostages taken captive by Hamas.
