Omer's parents say he grew stronger during the 505 days he was held hostage by Hamas despite losing dozens of pounds in weight from malnutrition.

Despite low temperatures and inclement weather, the worst of the storm has still not yet reached Israel.

<p>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Shaaban al-Sayed following Hisham's release, saying, "I promised you that we would bring him back and we turned the world upside-down. Now we will do what is necessary to receive him properly and care for him."</p><p>Netanyahu also stressed to Shaaban that the efforts to bring Hisham home did not cease his efforts to bring Hisham home, and indeed the mission was accomplished. He also expressed regret that it took so long.</p><p>Prime Minister Netanyahu said that the State of Israel would now act to care for, and fully rehabilitate, Hisham.</p><p>Shaaban Al-Sayed thanked the Prime Minister for all of the years in which acted relentlessly to return Hisham, and for accompanying the family throughout the difficult and trying journey that it endured. He also said that he supported the Prime Minister in all of the various tasks on the agenda, including bringing our hostages back home.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Saturday evening with Avera Mengistu: "I am moved and I embrace you. The entire people of Israel is moved along with me and embraces you today."</p><p>In the warm and emotional conversation, the Prime Minister thanked the family for continuing to believe and fight and for not losing hope.</p><p>Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed sorrow for the length of time that Avera spent in captivity and promised to help Avera and his family in the absorption and rehabilitation process.</p><p>The family thanked the Prime Minister for his efforts over the many years and for Avera's return to Israel.</p>

Israeli analyst Ohad Hamu claims that one of the terrorists to be released is among the most dangerous of Israel's security prisoners.

<p>Shaaban al-Sayed, father of Hisham al-Sayed, who spent nearly ten years in Hamas captivity, told<i> Kan Reshet Bet</i> that his son's condition is very poor.</p><p>'"I am very surprised for the worse," Shaaban said. "His mental state is very difficult, he is not communicating. He looks as if he was in a torture camp for 10 years. We did not imagine to ourselves that Hamas were so brutal- they did a despicable thing. He is completely checked out emotionally and mentally."</p>

Trump’s nominee for Ambassador to the United Nations: It has never been more important to show the world’s unequivocal support for Israel.

The mother of one of the hostages that was brought to the release ceremony on Saturday but not freed shares the turmoil the video caused her.