RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The International Committee of the Red Cross says Hamas militants have released two hostages it had been holding captive in the Gaza Strip.
It was the second time the group has freed hostages seized in its bloody Oct. 7 cross-border incursion into Israel.
The hostages were identified by Israeli media as Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper of the Israeli kibbutz of Nir Oz.
In a statement, Hamas said it had released them for humanitarian reasons.
Israel has demanded the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas.
The Islamic militant group is believed to be holding over 200 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual nationals.
Hamas released two other hostages – an American mother and her teenage daughter – on Friday.