Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced in a statement via Telegram today, Monday, that the movement has released two hostages for humanitarian reasons in response to Egyptian Qatari mediation. The statement added, "We decided to release them for compelling humanitarian and health reasons... noting that the enemy has refused since last Friday to accept their transfer."
The International Committee of the Red Cross stated that it facilitated the release of another two hostages held by Hamas today and "transported them out of Gaza this evening." It added, "Our role as a neutral intermediary makes this action possible, and we are prepared to facilitate any future releases."
Hamas issued a statement two days ago indicating, "We informed our Qatari brothers last night that we will release both Nurit Yitzhak and Yochved Lifshitz for compelling humanitarian reasons and without any conditions... however, the occupying government refused to accept their transfer." Egyptian news channel "Extra" broadcast the first footage of the hostages after their release.
