Gaza: Hamas has released two Israeli women who were among the more than 200 hostages taken during the October 7 attack in southern Israel
The release was attributed to “humanitarian and poor health grounds” by Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for the armed wing of Hamas.
The Israeli prime minister’s office confirmed the release of Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, and stated that they would be taken to a medical facility.
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In response to the attack, Israel launched an immediate military offensive on Hamas.
More than 5,000 people have been reported killed in the subsequent air attacks on Gaza, according to the Gaza health ministry.
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The women have been reportedly taken to the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt.
This development comes after two American women, a mother and daughter, were freed by Hamas on the preceding Friday.
The total number of hostages confirmed by Israel stands at 222 people, who were seized when Hamas gunmen crossed the border and carried out the attacks on kibbutz communities, towns, and military bases in southern Israel.