24-10-2023 (GAZA) Hamas announced on Monday that it had freed two elderly Israeli women who had been taken hostage during its attack on southern Israel in early October.
“We decided to release them for humanitarian and poor health grounds,” said Abu Ubaida, spokesman for Hamas’ armed wing, in a statement published on Telegram.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed that the two women, Nurit Cooper (79) and Yocheved Lifshitz (85), had been handed over to the Israeli military and would receive medical treatment. They were among more than 200 civilians kidnapped by Hamas during the October assault.
Hamas freed the women after releasing an American woman and her daughter last Friday. All four had been captured in the attack on October 7th that left over 1,400 Israelis dead.
Privately, US officials have appealed for restraint in conversations with Israel, hoping to de-escalate tensions and negotiate the release of remaining hostages. “We should have those hostages released and then we can talk,” said US President Joe Biden.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues to pound targets in Gaza from the air and sea. Over 320 sites have been struck in the last 24 hours, including tunnels, bases and weapon positions. The assault was triggered in response to Hamas’ initial attack.
With basic supplies dwindling for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents under blockade, international leaders are calling for a humanitarian ceasefire. Aid convoys have begun crossing into Gaza from Egypt, but levels remain well below what is needed.
Fighting has also spread beyond Gaza. The Israeli Air Force struck southern Lebanon in response to rocket fire from Hezbollah. Clashes further erupted between Israelis and Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
As the death toll surpasses 5,000, international mediation efforts continue in hopes of establishing a lasting ceasefire and preventing a full-scale ground invasion of Gaza.
