Freed at last

5 kids among 24 hostages on their way home 

- LUCY THORNTON

HAMAS finally released 24 hostages yesterday, sparking scenes of jubilation among families.

Israeli women and five kids were among them. Israel freed 39 Palestinian prisoners, including children. The Red Cross said: "To see smiles was quite something." 

SAFE FROM HELL

Joy as seven-week hostages ordeal ends. But Israel says war continues after truce

AFTER seven weeks of fear and uncertainty as Hamas captives, the ordeal for 24 hostages finally ended with their release last night.

There were scenes of jubilation when four Red Cross jeeps carrying 13 freed Israelis, 10 Thai workers, and a Filipino, were driven out of Gaza through the Rafah crossing and into Egypt.

Among them were five children, the youngest aged just two.

As a four-day truce in the fighting came in, around 60 trucks loaded with food, water and medicine were allowed into the besieged region, where the death toll has reached 14,500 as Israel tries to wipe out Hamas.