They cried, flashed heart signs, and swept up family members in long-lasting hugs.

On Monday, the 20 living hostages held captive by Hamas were released back into Israel, and into the arms of their loved ones.

In the morning, they were transported by the Red Cross into the custody of the IDF. They were then flown to three hospitals in central Israel – Sheba, Ihilioc and Beilonson.

Photographs taken inside the facilities revealed scenes of extraordinary emotion. But the long work of recuperation will now begin, with doctors imposing a strict diet and offering round-the-clock mental health support.

Many of the hostages appeared thinner and paler than the images that have been plastered across the country – and the world – since the awful day of Oct 7 2023, when they were taken.