“Two additional hostages released from Gaza by Hamas; Israel confirms their safe arrival.”

“An additional pair of hostages set free.”

“Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has claimed the release of two additional female hostages who were abducted from Israel to the Gaza Strip during the attacks on October 7. As of now, Israeli authorities have not confirmed this release. This development follows Israel’s announcement on Monday, October 23, confirming that 222 individuals were taken hostage when Hamas gunmen crossed the border, attacking Israeli border communities, towns, and military bases in southern Israel.”

The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, designated as the military wing of Hamas, is considered a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, Israel, the European Union, and others. It’s important to note that different governments and organizations may have varying perspectives on the designation of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, but this is a widely accepted classification.

Hamas identified the two detainees as Nurit Yitzhak and Yocheved Lifshitz. The decision to release them was made with the assistance of Egyptian-Qatari mediation and due to ‘compelling humanitarian’ reasons, according to a statement from the Hamas spokesperson.

Egyptian state media reported that the two hostages, who were released by Hamas, have arrived at the Rafah border crossing. The release was attributed to intensive Egyptian efforts.

Additionally, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced their role in facilitating the release of these two hostages, transporting them out of Gaza on the same evening.”

“Israel has not provided official confirmation.”

On Saturday, the militant group had expressed their intention to release the same two hostages, but Israel reportedly declined to accept them, as reported by the Times of Israel. At that time, Netanyahu’s office dismissed Hamas’ claims as ‘propaganda lies.’

Subsequently, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office issued a statement confirming that the former hostages were indeed in Israeli custody. They are being transported to a specialized hospital in Israel for their reunification with their families. The statement also expressed gratitude to Egypt for its assistance and to the Red Cross for its vital life-saving role. Additionally, it acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the IDF and security forces in the past few days to secure their release, despite the challenges posed by Hamas.”

“A report from Israel’s Channel 12 has stated that the families of Nurit Cooper, aged 79, and Yochved Lifshitz, aged 85, have been informed of their release from captivity by Hamas. It was also noted that their husbands are still located in Gaza. Both women were reportedly taken from their residences in the Nir Oz kibbutz.”

“Four individuals set free from captivity in Gaza.”

“Hamas has recently released four female hostages from Gaza. This followed a statement made by the Palestinian militant group on Friday, October 20, in which they announced the release of two American hostages.

The hostages, Judith and Natalie Raanan, were abducted during Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7. The mother and daughter, who resided in Chicago, were in Israel to celebrate a relative’s birthday.”