Two Israeli hostages were released by Hamas and have been transported to a local hospital, according to Israeli media.
Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz were handed over to the Red Cross before being extracted by the IDF.
Live update: Hamas releases video claiming to show handoff of hostages https://t.co/SvLIpfmYbk . Click to read ⬇️
— TOI ALERTS (@TOIAlerts) October 23, 2023
"In the video, the two women, wearing identical purple robes, walk unsteadily holding the hands of masked gunmen, who also offer them snacks and drinks. Both appear terrified through much of the footage," the Times of Israel reported.
"The pair are then seen walking to a vehicle where a person in a Red Cross vest waits. Just before the propaganda video ends, Lifshitz turns to shake the hand of one gunman as she walks away," it added.
Two more hostages have been released from Hamas custody, sources tell CNN https://t.co/k1WMWjoHlT
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) October 23, 2023
"The news comes as Israel's military ramps up its aerial offensive against Hamas and as calls grow to let more aid into Gaza," CNN reported.
"Twenty more trucks carrying vital humanitarian aid passed the Rafah crossing from Egypt into Gaza Monday, the UN said, while warning that the situation in the enclave's hospitals remains 'dire' and much more help is needed," it continued.
The release of the two Israeli citizens follows the freeing of two American hostages from Hamas last week.
However, over 200 Israeli hostages remain held by the terror group, with an unknown smaller number of foreign nationals held in Gaza.
Israel continues to work toward the release of all hostages while preparing for future efforts in Gaza to put a stop to activity by Hamas. The conflict has led to many people in Gaza fleeing along safety routes, while many in areas of Israel continue to remain in or near bomb shelters due to ongoing missile launches.
The nation continues to deal with the massive terror attacks but rejoices that at least two more of its people have been freed.
