The aunt of Israeli hostage Elkana Buhbot expressed her excitement on Monday at the expected return of her nephew, who has been held in Gaza for two years. 

Ahuva Hamo's sister Ruhama Bohbot told her she spoke with her son Elkana on the phone on Monday, for the first time in two years. She said they spoke just before he was released from captivity as the Red Cross was on the way to meet him.

“We see Elkana on video, FaceTime, my sister talked with him and its very exciting and she says he is on his feet, and he smiles and she says he told her - mom I am okay, I am okay," Ahuva Hamo told The Associated Press.

Hamas released seven hostages on Monday, the first to be freed as part of a ceasefire pausing two years of war that pummeled the Gaza Strip, killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, and left scores of captives in militant hands.

The seven were expected be reunited with their families and undergo medical checks in Israel. Meanwhile, the Red Cross was on its way to a point in southern Gaza where it is expected to take custody of second group of living hostages, according to the Israeli military.

Elkana is believed to be part of the second group, according to his aunt.

Over the course of the day, 20 living hostages are expected to be released, as are over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The bodies of the remaining 28 dead hostages are also to be handed over as part of the deal, although the exact timing remained unclear.

AP Video by Shlomo Mor