Two more hostages have been released from Hamas custody, multiple sources tell CNN. The hostages are Israeli citizens, a source says. An Israeli official says both hostages are women.
The news comes as Israel’s military ramps up its aerial offensive against Hamas and as calls grow to let more aid into Gaza. More than 5,000 people have been killed in the besieged enclave since October 7, according to Palestinian health officials.
The US is seeking to delay an Israeli ground offensive in hopes of getting more hostages out and aid into Gaza, according to two sources briefed on discussions. However, a senior Israeli official told CNN there will be “no ceasefire.”
Israel’s defense minister said Monday the country is preparing for a “multilateral operation” on Hamas from the “air, ground, and sea.”
Israel has vowed to wipe out Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza, in response to the October 7 deadly terrorist attacks and kidnap rampage.
It all comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Though some aid has made its way across the border, relief groups are warning it’s not enough.
Here’s what to know:
Hostages released: Israeli citizens Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, were released from Hamas custody Monday following Qatari and Egyptian mediation, according to two Israeli officials and two other sources briefed on the matter. Hamas also said it released two hostages, according to a statement from a spokesperson. On Friday, Hamas released two American hostages, Judith Tai Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie Raanan.
Aid into Gaza: Twenty trucks carrying humanitarian aid passed the Rafah crossing into Gaza on Monday, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). On Saturday and Sunday, a total of 34 trucks were able to enter Gaza, it said. But, relief groups have warned much more is required to curb a deepening humanitarian crisis inside the strip. Aid deliveries entering Gaza have not included fuel, which is critical for things like water desalination and hospitals, OCHA said.
Dire situation at hospitals: Hospitals are nearing collapse, operating at more than 150% of their capacity, according to the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health. Situations have become so dire that surgeries are being conducted without anesthesia, and in some cases, under the illumination of phone lights, it said. A British-Palestinian surgeon who traveled to Gaza to help in hospitals has warned that without electricity, the hospital he is in “will just be a mass grave.”
Israeli strikes: More than 400 people were killed in overnight Israeli strikes on Gaza, the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Health Ministry said. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the assault hit 320 “terror targets” belonging to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Israel also said it has killed or captured more than 1,000 members of Hamas, according to Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for IDF.
Looming ground operation: Israeli soldiers are taking part in training exercises to improve their “readiness and capabilities for ground operations” in Gaza, the IDF said. Israel has already mobilized troops and military material on the border. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the country is preparing for a “multilateral operation” on Hamas from the “air, ground, and sea.” The White House declined to say if the Biden administration was urging Israel to delay a possible ground incursion to allow for the release of more hostages held by Hamas and for aid to reach Gaza.
The scope of the conflict so far: As of Monday, more than 5,000 people have been killed in Gaza, and more than 15,000 have been injured since October 7, the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health in the occupied West Bank reported. Israeli authorities said Saturday that it believes 210 people are being held hostage in Gaza. A Hamas spokesperson previously said the militant group captured between 200 and 250 people during the attacks.
CNN
