Israel-Hamas war: Hamas releases two more hostages from Gaza; Israel confirms their arrival

The spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades said that the Palestinian militant group released two Israeli hostages, on Monday (Oct 23), who were being held in the Gaza Strip. Formerhostages Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper have been handed over to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) custody, said Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu's office in a statement.

Two more hostages released

The two detainees were identified by Hamas as Nurit Yitzhak and Yochved Lifshitz. The step was taken following Egyptian-Qatari mediation and “compelling humanitarian” reasons, said the Hamas spokesperson in a statement.

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Egyptian state media said that the two hostages who were freed by Hamas have arrived at Rafah border crossing. The report also claimed that the release was the result of intense Egyptian efforts.

Additionally, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) took to X and said that they “facilitated the release of 2 more hostages” and transported “them out of Gaza this evening”.

In a statement the spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas said: "We in the Al-Qassam Brigades, through Egyptian-Qatari mediation, released the two detainees, Nurit Yitzhak and Yochved Lifshitz, knowing that the enemy has refused since last Friday to accept their receipt, and is still neglecting the file of its prisoners. We have decided to release them for compelling humanitarian and satisfactory reasons, despite the occupation’s crimes. For more than 8 violations of the procedures that were agreed upon with the mediator brothers that the occupation would adhere to during this day to complete the handover process."

Israel confirms release

The militant group had said on Saturday that they wanted to release the same two hostages, but that Israel declined to accept them, according to Times of Israel. Netanyahu’s office, at the time, said it would not respond to Hamas’ “propaganda lies.”

The Israeli PM's office later released a statement confirming that the former hostages were in Israeli custodyand are making their way to a hospital in Israel especially set up for them, where they will be reunited with their families.

It also thankedEgypt "for its help" and the Red Cross "for its important life-saving role," adding that the "IDF andthe security forces have worked hard in the last few days in all channels to bring about their release and to overcome the many difficulties set by Hamas."

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A report by Israel’s Channel 12 said that the families of 79-year-old Cooper and Lifshitz, 85, have been notified of their release from Hamas captivity, adding that their husbands remain in Gaza.

According to the report, both women were abducted from their homes in Nir Oz kibbutz.

Four hostages released from Gaza

Hamas has now released four female hostages from Gaza after the Palestinian militant group, on Friday (Oct 20), released a statement saying that it had released two American hostages.

Judith and Natalie Raanan were taken hostage from Kibbutz Nahal Oz during Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel. The mother-daughter duo lived in Chicago and were visiting Israel to celebrate a relative’s birthday.

(With inputs from agencies)


Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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