Hamas Releases Two Israeli Hostages After Mediation Efforts by Qatar and Egypt
According to multiple sources, Hamas has released two Israeli citizens who were held hostage. The hostages, identified as 79-year-old Nurit Cooper and 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz, were freed following mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt. The two women were seen receiving medical attention at the border crossing in Rafah, Egypt, near the Gaza Strip. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed that they facilitated the release and expressed their hope for the swift return of the hostages to their families.
In a statement released by the Lifschitz family, the daughter of Yocheved Lifshitz expressed her relief at her mother’s safe release but emphasized the urgency of securing her father’s release and the release of other innocent hostages still held in Gaza. The family statement confirmed that the two hostages were handed over to the Red Cross at the Rafah crossing and will be transferred to Israel soon.
Hamas spokesman Abu Obaida also confirmed the release, stating that they made the decision for compelling humanitarian and health reasons as the Israeli authorities had refused to receive the hostages since last Friday. However, both the Israeli military and the prime minister’s office declined to comment on the release.
This comes just days after Hamas released two American hostages, Judith Tai Raanan and Natalie Raanan. The mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt seem to be yielding positive results in bringing about the release of hostages held by Hamas. The ICRC expressed their readiness to facilitate any future releases and remains committed to their role as a neutral intermediary.
The release of these hostages marks a step towards deescalating tensions between Israel and Hamas. The international community hopes that these recent releases will lead to further progress in resolving the hostage situation and fostering peace in the region.