The militant group Hamas released two more Israeli citizens that they had been holding hostage in Gaza on Monday. The hostages, 79-year-old Nurit Cooper and 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz were handed over to Israeli forces and transported to a medical facility in Israel where their families were waiting. Cooper and Lifshitz were abducted from their homes near the Gaza border during a Hamas attack on October 7.
Hamas had released two American women hostages last Friday. In total, 222 Israelis were kidnapped by Hamas during their attack in early October. Many of the hostages are elderly while some are under 18 years old.
The two women released Monday were peace activists who regularly helped transport Gazan patients to Israeli hospitals. According to Hamas, they released the two women for humanitarian reasons after mediation by Egypt and Qatar.
The Red Cross International Committee facilitated the transfer and said they are ready to help with any future releases. Israel thanked Egypt and the Red Cross for their role.
During a recent visit to Israel, President Biden said securing the release of the hostages was a top priority. The U.S. is trying to dissuade Israel from a ground invasion of Gaza in order to focus on freeing the captives and delivering aid.
U.S. officials say they are working hourly to locate the hostages and secure their release. Around 10 Americans are still being held though their exact location is unclear. The U.S. says Hamas is not getting anything in return for releasing the hostages. Israel has also not agreed to release any prisoners. However, the U.S. is urging Hamas to free the civilians they are holding against their will.
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