LONDON — The families of the living hostages released by Hamas are reacting following their release from captivity after being held for over two years.

As part of a monumental Gaza ceasefire agreement, seven hostages — Eitan Mor, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Omri Miran, Alon Ohel and Guy Gilboa-Dalal — were the first return home to Israel.

The family of Omri Miran released a statement on Monday after he was handed over to IDF troops in the Gaza Strip.

“After more than 700 long, painful, and agonizing days, Omri will finally receive from Roni and Alma a healing embrace,” Miran’s family said of his two little girls, ages 2 and 4. “We want to thank the people of Israel from the bottom of our hearts for standing by us in the darkest hours and on days when this moment seemed like a distant and impossible wish. This moment, today, is not a personal victory but a victory of an entire people.”

“We also want to express our deep gratitude to the security forces and the heroic IDF soldiers. We are at the beginning of a complex and challenging, yet moving, journey of recovery.,” the statement continued. “We remain committed to the struggle — until the last hostage returns, and until the complete recovery of our beloved country. May Omri’s return mark the beginning of this recovery and the unity of our people.”

Eitan Mor’s family also released a statement, saying “this is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

“In praise and thanksgiving to God, we are happy to announce that our Eitan is home! Our beloved Eitan, how we waited for you, how we waited to see you finally after two years. We saw you for the last time today, on Hoshana Rabbah, two years ago, and we embrace you today back into the family,” the statement said.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.