Israel
Hamas releases two elderly women held hostage in Gaza
Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper were both abducted from kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7
October 23, 2023 19:47
Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper were both abducted from kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7
October 23, 2023 19:47The International Red Cross has confirmed that two Hamas hostages have been released by the terror group.
Yocheved Lifshitz, 80, and Nurit Cooper, 85 both lived in kibbutz Nir OZ near the Gaza border and were taken in the morning of October 7 by Hamas terrorists to Gaza.
The International Committee of the Red Cross says Hamas released the hostages to them earlier this evening and Israeli media reported that they were met at the Rafah border crossing with Egypt by Israeli government officials.
Their husbands are believed to be still held in Gaza, two of the more than 200 hostages currently being held by Hamas.
It has not been confirmed whether the two women hold dual citizenships, as these prisoners are thought to be a priority in any release negotiations.
Daniel Lifshitz, the grandson of Yocheved, told Israeli TV news that he was "excited and happy” that his grandmother was now free, adding: "We simply hope she’s okay, that her health is good, and we’re waiting to see her,
“We hope this is just the start of the release of all the hostages,”
Footage broadcast on Egyptian TV showed the two women being examined in an ambulance by Red Cross medical staff, before their release into Israeli custody.
Late last week, Hamas released two US nationals, Judith and her daughter Natalie Raanan.
On Friday afternoon, President Joe Biden released a statement taking credit for the development, and thanking “the government of Qatar and the government of Israel for their partnership in this work.”