‘When will they come out?’: Anxious families wait to see if loved ones will be among those freed in Gaza hostage deal

Chaim Peri was an artist and a peace activist who used to take sick people from Gaza for treatment in Israeli hospitals. On 7 October he was among those kidnapped by Hamas fighters when they came across the border to carry out an attack that claimed 1,200 lives.

Every day of waiting since then has been one of despondency and fear for his family. They are relieved now that the freeing of hostages is due to start under a deal, but they are also aware that Mr Peri, 80, who suffers from heart disease, will not be among the first to come home.

“It is a strange feeling now. Things are moving at last and that is great. It is also right, of course, that