Family and friends celebrate release of Israeli hostages

Well, overseas, the remaining living hostages are officially home tonight after a relentless two years of war between Israel and Hamas. And President Donald Trump received a warm welcome for brokering the peace deal. The president, in fact, received several standing ovations during his speech before Israel's parliament today as the long- aaited ceasefire took effect. And on their 738th day of captivity, the 20 remaining living hostages were finally returned home. Nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners were also released in exchange for the hostages. >> The long and painful nightmare is finally over. And as the dust settles, the smoke fades, the debris is removed, and a beautiful and much brighter future appears suddenly within your reach. >> President Trump said that phase two of his 20point ceasefire plan to end the war has already started. and as he met with world leaders in Egypt for a summit on Gaza's future and peace in the Middle East. Back here, some families who live in Montgomery County are celebrating the release of their loved ones from Hamas captivity tonight. They were just reunited after spending months and months apart. Action News reporter Annie McCormack live in Balakinwood with that part of the story. Annie? >> Yeah, and Rick, there's a number of people from our area that do have connections to the hostages today. say they are relieved and celebrating. >> We're just overjoyed. He seemed to be in good spirits according to his grandfather who I spoke to earlier today. >> The cousin of 22-year-old Alan Oell is relieved. The classically trained pianist from Israel is alive and out of captivity. His cousin today from his Maran Station home told us Oell has shrapnel in one eye and appeared to be limping when released, but otherwise is okay. He was in the dungeons for over 2 years, >> happy and and smiling finally. Um, it was uh the moment that we were waiting so much in Narbirth. The owner of Nana's Kitchen spoke about close family friends she considers family. Ya and Eaton Horn are reunited again. Ya was released a few months ago. Eaton released today. And Daphna of Balakinwood has led the charge, holding dozens of vigils and rallies here in the Philadelphia region to bring the hostages home. She calls today a bittersweet moment. >> We're not there yet. We still have 28 more hostages buddies to be returned to their families. We still need to go through all the steps of this agreement. >> And Rick, the owner of Nana's Kitchen, says that they plan to hold a celebration on Sunday. For now, reporting live in Balakinwood, Annie McCormack, Channel 6 Action News. Rick.