Israel-Hamas war live: Hamas released two elderly hostages on Monday, bringing the total to four. The Palestinian militant organization announced the release of Nurit Cooper and Yochved Lifshitz, and the International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed the news.
Israel-Hamas war: Their transfer follows the Friday release of two American hostages. It’s been more than two weeks since Hamas launched its assault on Israel, killing at least 1,400 people and taking more than 200 hostages.
The Israel-Humas War Defense Forces said Monday that its soldiers were conducting a “variety of training exercises in order to improve the forces’ readiness and capabilities for ground operations in the Gaza Strip.”
Still, a full surrender of Hamas and the return of Israeli hostages could end Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Jonathan Conricus told ABC Radio Melbourne.
An Israeli military helicopter carrying Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, arrived on the rooftop of Ichilov Hospital, according to Reuters footage.
Israel-Hamas war: Hamas militants massacred 1,400 people, including babies, women, and elderly, and kidnapped more than 200 people from Israel in their Oct. 7 rampage. Little is known about their well-being and whereabouts.
Humanitarian deliveries through the Rafah crossing from Egypt began on Saturday after wrangling over procedures for inspecting the aid and bombardments on the Gaza side of the border had left relief materials stranded in Egypt.
Meanwhile, Israel Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that Israeli soldiers are undergoing a “thorough and lengthy preparation process” and are ready for their missions. He welcomed the formation of the war cabinet and called it a blessing for Israel.