Emotional footage emerges of families speaking with hostages ahead of their release

Emotional footage continues to emerge showing Israeli families speaking with their loved ones while they are still in Hamas captivity — their first contact in nearly two years — as anticipation builds ahead of the captives’ expected release in the coming hours.

Avishai David, the father of hostage Evyatar David, tells Channel 12 that he and his family are waiting to “hug, smell, and breathe” their son upon his release, after speaking with him in a video call while he remains in Hamas captivity.

In a video, Avi Ohana, the father of hostage Yosef Haim Ohana, is seen speaking with his son, telling him that “everyone is waiting” for the hostages’ return.

“He looks good… I saw his smile — it reminded me of his smile from two years ago,” Avi tells Channel 12 after the call.

In an emotional clip, Tami Braslavski, the mother of hostage Rom Braslavski, is seen telling her son she loves him and is waiting for his return.

“We saw Rom and were so excited to see him… We’ve been waiting for so long,” Tami tells Channel 12. “He told me, ‘Mom, don’t worry — what will happen will happen.'”

Other families also reported receiving calls from loved ones still in captivity, including Bar Kuperstein, Elkana Bohbot, Nimrod Cohen, brothers David and Ariel Cunio, and Matan Zangauker — all of whom have been released or are slated to be released shortly.

Some families of hostages still believed to be alive in Hamas captivity said they have not yet received calls, though additional phone contact may continue throughout the morning.