Two of the 222 hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7 have been released from captivity and safely transferred to Egypt, Israeli authorities confirmed on Monday evening. The released hostages, identified as 80-year-old Nurit Cooper and 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz, both residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz, were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The ICRC facilitated their journey to the Rafah crossing, where they were met by Israeli security officials. However, it is important to note that their husbands, who are also in their 80s and were among the hostages, remain in captivity. The announcement of the release was initially made by the spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, Abu Ubaida. This announcement coincided with the entry of 20 trucks carrying humanitarian aid into Gaza. Additionally, reports suggested that Qatar had played a role in securing the release of approximately 50 other hostages who held foreign passports. The two women released in this instance do not possess dual citizenship. The release of these two hostages represents a glimmer of hope in a situation fraught with tension and uncertainty. The fate of the remaining hostages and the broader dynamics of the conflict in the region continue to be of significant concern to the international community. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)