A boy who spent his ninth birthday as a hostage in Gaza has been reunited with his family after being freed on Friday night.
Video has emerged of Ohad Munder being met by his father and brother at the Schneider Medical Centre in Israel.
The football-mad boy can be seen rounding a corner accompanied by a woman from the IDF, when he sees his father down the corridor. He waves and then dashes into his open arms.
Ohad was released alongside his mother, Karen Munder, 54, and grandmother Ruthi Munder, 78, on the first day of Israel’s deal with Hamas. Ohad’s grandfather, Avraham, remains a hostage.
Events had been held in Israel to mark Ohad’s birthday.
Supporters also created a portrait out of Rubik’s cubes to honour his passion for the puzzle. Pictures even show him solving one from inside the hospital as his condition was assessed.
The family were kidnapped from the kibbutz of Nir Oz on October 7.
Karen’s brother, Roee Munder, was murdered in the attack.
A phone signal belonging to one of the family was later traced to Gaza.
The nine-year-old is a devoted fan of Hapoel Be’er Sheva football club, which led calls for his release and placed a set from their stadium at his home.
“Ohad, how wonderful it is to have you back,” a spokesman said last night.
