First pictures: Hostages Eliya Cohen, Omer Wenkert and Omer Shem Tov home free at long last

A poignant chapter unfolded in the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as six Israeli hostages were released from Gaza, signaling both hope and the persistent complexity of a conflict that has gripped the region for over a year.

The released hostages - Eliya Cohen (27), Omer Shem Tov, Omer Wenkert, Tal Shoham, Avera Mengistu, and Hisham al-Sayed - were transported by military helicopters to hospitals across central Israel, where they reunited with their anxiously waiting families.

In touching scenes at Beilinson Hospital near Tel Aviv, Omer Shem Tov's emotional reunion with his siblings was captured on video. "You have no idea how much I thought about you," Shem Tov told his brother Amit and sister Dana, who had been watching his helicopter landing while chanting "Omer is home." His first request after release? A hamburger.

Tal Shoham's return was particularly poignant, as he reunited with his son Naveh, who had also been taken hostage on October 7, 2023, but was released in November. The father-son duo was photographed on the helicopter ride to the hospital, with Naveh holding up a whiteboard reading "Freedom! It's crazy."

The releases were overshadowed by Defense Minister Israel Katz's stern warning regarding the murders of Shiri Bibas and her sons Ariel and Kfir. "This horrible and horrific act will not be taken lightly," Katz stated, following forensic evidence indicating the captors had killed the family with their bare hands and attempted to cover it up.

In response to these developments, Israel has temporarily delayed the scheduled release of Palestinian security prisoners, pending a consultation to be led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The released hostages are currently receiving comprehensive medical care, including psychological support, at various medical centers. Hisham al-Sayed, a Bedouin Israeli who had entered Gaza in 2015 and reportedly suffers from mental illness, was taken to Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, while Omer Wenkert was admitted to Rabin Medical Center.

As these six individuals begin their journey of recovery with their families, their release marks another critical step in ongoing efforts to return all remaining hostages.