The families of the hostages have expressed mixed emotions, fearing for those left behind, Reuters reports.

“I’m excited for the families who today are going to hug their loved ones,” Shelly Shem Tov, the mother of Omer Shem Tov, 21, said in an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, although he was not among those released on Friday.

“I am jealous. And I am sad. Mostly sad that Omer is still not coming home.”

After initial medical checks, the released hostages were taken to be reunited with their families. Medical authorities said they appeared to be in good physical condition and were facing more evaluations.

Roni Haviv, a relative of Ohad Munder, said she was looking forward to giving the nine-year-old his favourite toy.

“I’m waiting to see Ohad and can’t wait to give him his Rubik’s Cube, which I know he really loved and he probably missed it so much, and that’s the first thing he takes everywhere he goes,” she said.