The Israeli flag is place close to a wall plastered with images of Israeli hostages snatched by the Palestinian militant group Hamas last week in a surprise attack into Israel, outside the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv on October 16, 2023. (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images)
OAN’s Sophia Flores
12:40 PM – Monday, October 23, 2023
An Israeli intelligence source has confirmed that two Israeli hostages who were abducted and held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza have now been released.
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The hostages were reportedly released after Qatari mediation efforts.
The two elderly women that were released were Yocheved Lifschitz, 85, and Nurit Cooper, 79. Both were taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
#BREAKING: Hamas releases two more Israeli hostages Yocheved Lifshitz (85) and Nurit Yitzhak (80). Israel Government confirms the development. Hamas terror group says the two hostages have been released for “humanitarian and health reasons” after mediation from Qatar and Egypt. pic.twitter.com/5CVU8pK6zi
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) October 23, 2023
Both women are said to be in “poor health conditions.”
The ladies are now in the hands of the Red Cross.
Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz are seen in ambulances after being released by Hamas terrorists.
Both elderly women were ripped from their homes in Kibbutz Nir Oz by Hamas on Oct 7.
Their husbands remain hostage in Gaza along with some 220 others. pic.twitter.com/CHuASNnC2X
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) October 23, 2023
Hamas announced the release through their Telegram channel. The terrorist organization announced that Cooper and Lifschitz were being released for “compelling humanitarian” reasons.
However, both of their husbands are still being held against their will by the terrorist group in Gaza.
The women’s families have also been notified that their loved ones were being freed.
The 85-year-old’s daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, spoke to reporters after her parents were taken, and she described what was left of their home after the horrific incident took place.
“Their whole house is gone,” Lifschitz said. “It’s all burned, and that’s the least of it.”
She went on to say that she was worried and unsure of how long her parents could survive without their medications.
“They’re no longer the kind of people who can survive without medications,” Sharone continued. “Mom was ripped out of her machine; she was sleeping.”
“I think I woke up on Monday and had just a really clear realization: that I’m fighting hate.”
Sharone Lifschitz’s parents were kidnapped by Hamas, and in an emotional conversation, she tells me their stories and what keeps her going right now.
Listen to what she told me. pic.twitter.com/WPkL3Pc8Nq
— Christiane Amanpour (@amanpour) October 17, 2023
Cooper and Lifschitz’s release also comes days after two Americans were freed from the terrorist organization’s grip.
It is still estimated that over 200 people are still being held captive in Gaza.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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