Hamas releases 2 Israeli captives for ‘compelling medical reasons’

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) - Hamas’ military wing Al-Qassam Brigades on Monday said it has released two Israeli captives for “compelling humanitarian reasons.”

Abu Obeida, the Al-Qassam spokesman, made the announcement in a statement on Telegram and said the release came amid mediation from Qatar and Egypt.

He said that Israel had previously refused to receive them.

"We decided to release them for compelling humanitarian and medical reasons, despite the occupation committing more than 8 violations of the procedures that were agreed with the mediators to adhere to during the day to complete the handover process," he added.

On Saturday, Abu Obeida had said that Al-Qassam Brigades wanted to release two Israeli captives without any conditions but Israel "refused to receive them."

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office called the claim a "mendacious propaganda."

Israeli Channel 12 said the families of the two captives – Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz 85 – were notified of their release from Hamas captivity.

The Israeli government has yet to comment on their release.

Last week, the Al-Qassam Brigades released two American captives "for humanitarian reasons" in response to Qatari mediatory efforts.