Hamas releases two Israeli women hostages from Gaza as IDF threatens ground invasion to eliminate militants
Israel-Hamas war: In a major development, Hamas militants have released two Israeli hostages out of the 222 captives abducted on October 7. According to a report by the Jerusalem Post, the two women were identified as Nurit Cooper, 80, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, both from Kibbutz Nir Oz and were released from Gaza to Egypt on Monday night.
However, their husbands, who are also in their 80s, remain in captivity.
Meanwhile, the militant organisation said that they have decided to release the two elderly women for “humanitarian” and health reasons. “We decided to release them for compelling humanitarian and health reasons,” the media reported quoted Hamas spokesman Abu Ubaida as saying.
“Hamas did this despite the occupation committing more than eight violations of the procedures that were agreed upon with the mediating brothers for the occupation to adhere to during this day to complete the handover process,” Ubaida added.
Notably, the major development came nearly a day after 20 trucks of humanitarian aid entered Gaza. Besides, reports also claimed Qatar brokered a deal wherein the militant organisation vowed to release at least 50 hostages. However, the media report confirmed the two elderly who were released, were not part of the deal.
This is a breaking story. More details will be added.
