Hamas releases two Israeli hostages

Hamas has released two elderly Israeli women, who were held hostage by the Palestinian militant group during the 7 October surprise attacks.

An Israeli military spokesman in a statement on Monday confirmed the release of the two women, identified as Nurit Cooper (80) and Yocheved Lifshitz (85), to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The ICRC took them to the Rafah border, where they were handed over to Israeli officials.

Hamas spokesman, Abu Obaida, in a statement, said: "We decided to release them for humanitarian reasons and health grounds. 

He claimed that they released the hostages despite more than eight violations of the procedures by Israel that were agreed upon.

The husbands of the two women are still in the custody of Hamas. 

Discussions on the release of hostages are underway with Qatar and Egypt being brought on the negotiating table.