Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the terrorist group
released two more hostages on Tuesday, reported The Times of Israel, adding
that they were identified as Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz.
According to the report, a military helicopter
ferrying the two freed hostages landed on the roof of Ichilov Hospital in Tel
Aviv.
Citing a nurse at the Ichilov Hospital, The Times of
Israel reported that Cooper and Lifshitz appeared to be in good health after
arriving at the Israeli Medical Centre, directly upon their release from Hamas
captivity in Gaza.
The two elderly hostages had an emotional reunion with
their families. Both the freed hostages were on medication that they may not
have received during their two weeks of captivity.
The nurse said the hospital authorities will come to a
better understanding of their condition in the morning, The Times of Israel
reported.
Earlier, Hamas’ Qassam Brigades published a video
showing the two hostages being handed over to members of the International Red
Cross.
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.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan posted on X
that Washington welcomes the release of these hostages and is continuing to
work for the release of the remaining hostages, believed to be numbering over
200.
Earlier, two American hostages, identified as Judith
Tai Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter Natali Raanan, were released by Hamas,
CNN reported, adding that both were from Chicago.
According to their family members, they had been
visiting some relatives in Nahal Oz, a farming community in southern Israel,
and were released on “humanitarian grounds” due to the mother’s poor health.
They were released following negotiations involving
Qatar and Hamas, according to CNN.
Hostages and Missing Families Forum headquarters in
Israel launched a “Lighting up the Light” campaign for the early return of
hostages on Saturday.
As part of the campaign, the families of the hostages
and the missing persons called on Israeli citizens to “light up” for five
minutes in a show of solidarity and strength for the hostages, at the Museum
Tower, 4 Barakovich St in Tel Aviv.
Along with the families, hundreds across the country
joined the initiative, including members of the Knesset, the country’s primary
legislative body, municipalities, malls, stadiums, theatres, and more.
ANI
