Hamas terrorists say they’ve released two more hostages. However, they’re still holding dozens more in the Gaza Strip as Israel prepares to invade in retaliation for the terror group’s vicious attack on October 7 that left over 1,200 Israeli men, women, and children dead.
It’s a delay tactic, one that’s working as Israel is likely facing international pressure from Europe, the United States, and other groups to hold off until this hostage crisis is resolved. Thus far, only four have been released. Katie wrote about the first two hostages that these terrorists released on Friday:
According to Israeli officials, Iranian-backed terrorist organization Hamas released two American hostages Friday afternoon for "humanitarian" purposes after kidnapping and holding them in the Gaza Strip for nearly two weeks. The release of Natalie and Judith Raanan, a mother and daughter from Illinois, was reportedly negotiated by Qatar – a major non-NATO U.S. ally under heavy scrutiny for harboring Hamas leaders who live in luxury in the capitol of Doha.
"Today, we have secured the release of two Americans taken hostage by Hamas during the horrific terrorist assault against Israel on October 7. Our fellow citizens have endured a terrible ordeal these past 14 days, and I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear," President Joe Biden released in a statement. "These individuals and their family will have the full support of the United States government as they recover and heal, and we should all respect their privacy in this moment."
Now, NBC News is reporting that two more are being released:
Two more hostages, identified as Nurit Yitzhak and Yocheved Lifshitz, have been released by Hamas, multiple sources confirmed to NBC News.
The military wing of Hamas said it had decided to release the pair for “compelling humanitarian” reasons.
The announcement comes three days after the release of two Americans who had been held captive by Hamas in Gaza: Judith Raanan and her teenage daughter, Natalie.
NBC News has not seen images of the hostages released, and their husbands have not been released. Let’s see what happens here.
Wait, we don’t have images of the hostages being released yet? You can’t trust terrorists, but more reports are pouring in that they’re releasing folks: Red Cross says at least 50 hostages with dual citizenship will be released. Israel is not a negotiating party in this deal. Israeli-based i24 News reported that Hamas offered a housing and $10,000 incentive regarding the kidnappings (via i24):
#BREAKING: The Red Cross is reportedly on the way to receive 50 hostages from Gaza with dual citizenship. pic.twitter.com/x7QqLGCoA6
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) October 23, 2023
#BREAKING: Investigation reveals that Hamas terrorists were incentivized to kidnap Israelis; were promised an apartment and $10,000.
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) October 23, 2023
(@i24NEWS_EN)
Israel is supposedly not a party to the negotiations for a wide hostage deal
According to a source in Gaza, a potential hostage release deal is currently being finalized, with Qatari mediation playing a crucial role.
The Red Cross is on its way to receiving a group of about 50 of the abductees who hold dual citizenship. According to the source, their transfer will take place in the Khan Yunis area in the south of the Gaza Strip. Should no new obstacles emerge, a deal is anticipated to be reached in the hours ahead.
Israel will not be an official party in negotiations for the release of hostages with a dual citizenship. IDF and Israeli officials have not responded to a request for comment on the matter.
As part of the understandings and in order to allow the Red Cross personnel to reach the area safely, the source in Gaza reports that there have been no Israeli airstrikes on Gaza in the past few hours.
Gaza sources also burned the media regarding the fake news story about the hospital bombing. We’ll keep you updated.
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