Two Israeli Women Released by Hamas, Others Remain in Custody
Yesterday, Hamas, the armed Palestinian political faction, made a surprising move by releasing two Israeli women who had been held hostage since their attack on Israel on the 7th of this month. The hostages, Nurit Cooper, aged 79, and Jocheved Lifshitz, aged 85, were handed over to the Israeli army and subsequently taken to a medical facility. The release came after Hamas spokesman Abu Ubaydah cited humanitarian and health reasons.
This development follows the release of two American mothers and daughters by Hamas on the 20th. It is worth noting that Israel has emphasized the importance of securing the release of all hostages, with their military spokesman, Daniel Hagari, stating that Egypt has played a crucial role in facilitating this process.
Furthermore, US President Joe Biden expressed his approval of the hostages’ release in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He assured continued efforts to secure the freedom of all remaining hostages. President Biden also addressed the possibility of a ceasefire, stating that dialogue would be possible once all hostages are released.
Israel and the international community remain focused on the safe return of the remaining hostages. As circumstances in the region continue to evolve, Egypt’s active involvement is recognized as instrumental, reflecting ongoing diplomatic efforts towards resolving this ordeal.
Source: VOA News (based on Reuters)
Yesterday (23rd) the armed Palestinian political faction Hamas released two of the 200 hostages it had held during a surprise attack on Israel on the 7th.
Those released are Israeli women Nurit Cooper and Jocheved Lifshitz, aged 79 and 85.
Hamas spokesman Abu Ubaydah said on Telegram that day, “We decided to release them for humanitarian and health reasons.”
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said they were handed over to the Israeli army and taken to a medical facility.
The spouses of both women remain in Hamas custody.
This statement follows the Hamas release of two American mothers and daughters on the 20th.
Israel’s military spokesman, Daniel Hagari, said in an announcement today (24th) that Egypt plays a key role in this statement, and that the release of hostages is Israel’s top priority.
In a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that day, US President Joe Biden welcomed the release of the hostages and pledged continued efforts to ensure the release of all hostages.
Asked about the possibility of a ceasefire contingent on the release of the remaining hostages, President Biden said, “We will engage in dialogue after the hostages are released.”
VOA news
* This article refers to Reuters.
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