Hamas released two more hostages on Monday, bringing relief to their families but leaving hundreds of people still captive. The two hostages, identified as Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, were released for "compelling humanitarian reasons" according to Hamas. Videos showed the women being carried on stretchers inside ambulances near the Rafah crossing on Gaza's southern border. The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated their release and transported them out of Gaza. This release comes three days after two Americans, Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie, were also freed by Hamas.

The hostage crisis began on October 7th when terrorists attacked Israel, resulting in the abduction of at least 212 individuals. The hostages were taken by both Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another militant group based in Gaza. Israel has demanded the release of all hostages, while Hamas has stated that it will only release its captives when Israeli airstrikes in Gaza cease. The situation has led to international concerns over a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with accusations of Israel breaching international law through collective punishment.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an organization formed after the October attack, expressed gratitude for the release of Cooper and Lifshitz but emphasized the need for the safe return of all hostages. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Joe Biden have both called for the release of all hostages, emphasizing the need for their unconditional release. Meanwhile, in a separate development, Hamas also released two Israeli women, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The women were received by Israeli forces at the Rafah crossing. Their husbands, who were also abducted by Hamas on October 7th, remain in captivity. Their release came after the entry of 20 trucks of humanitarian aid into Gaza and amid reports that Qatar had separately negotiated the release of around 50 foreign passport holders. According to Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida, the decision to release Cooper and Lifshitz was made due to humanitarian and health reasons. However, Hamas also accused Israel of violating agreed-upon procedures during the handover process.

Israel has been pursuing negotiations for the release of the hostages, with Qatari mediation being involved for those with foreign passports. Talks to free a group of 50 prisoners held in Gaza failed due to Hamas' demand for gasoline deliveries, which Israel refused to allow, citing its concerns over the use of fuel for launching rockets. While the release of these two Israeli hostages brings hope, there are still around 200 people held captive by Hamas.

The situation remains tense, with Israel carrying out airstrikes in Gaza and the United States urging Israel to delay a ground invasion in order to ensure the safe return of the remaining hostages. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, raising concerns about the breach of international law and the need for a resolution to end the suffering of those affected.