Two men living in New York City say Saturday marked the first signs of life for their loved ones, who are Israeli hostages being held in captivity by Hamas.

Two of the captives had been in the hands of Hamas for about 10 years. The rest were taken during the attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Israel has delayed an expected release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees in exchange for returned Israeli hostages “until further notice,” the Palestinian Prisoners Society said early Sunday.

Families waiting for the release of some 600 prisoners remain in limbo after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Saturday that he would delay their release, a decision that violated the exchange terms of the ceasefire agreement after Hamas had earlier released six Israeli hostages.

Israel has postponed the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners, citing concerns over the "humiliating" nature of hostage handover ceremonies conducted by Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the prisoner release would remain on hold until Hamas guarantees the cessation of such ceremonies and ensures the safe return of additional hostages.