Freed hostage Sasha Troufanov describes the hardship of his captivity in Gaza and how he discovered a connection with God.

29-year-old Russian-Israeli Alexandre 'Sasha' Troufanov celebrated his return to Israel on Sunday with a traditional Jewish prayer and ritual, less than 24 hours after his freedom was secured.

After being released from Hamas captivity, Alexandre 'Sasha' Troufanov tearfully reunites with his mother Yelena and girlfriend Sapir Cohen, both of whom were also taken captive and released.

The brief video, dismissed by Israel as psychological warfare, has intensified calls for a stronger government mandate in hostage negotiations.