Last Friday, the spokesman for the Al Qasam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, Abu Obeida, announced the release of two American hostages for “humanitarian reasons” after mediation by Qatar.

According to what he said on Telegram, they are a woman and her daughter who were among the nearly 200 people kidnapped in the unprecedented offensive on Israeli territory launched by the militiamen on October 7.

The first confirmation of the hostages’ release came from Fox News reporter Trey Yingst, reporting from Israel, and Israeli journalist Almog Boker, who said the two freed hostages were a mother and daughter.

The movement, which has controlled this Palestinian enclave since 2007, did not provide details on how and when the hostages were released.

The Israeli military confirmed on Friday that the majority of kidnapped people taken to the Gaza Strip are still alive.

“Most of them are still alive,” the army said in a statement, indicating that bodies had also been brought to the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military indicated that more than 20 of the hostages are minors and that between 10 and 20 are over 60 years old.

Since the attack was launched by Hamas militiamen on Israeli territory almost two weeks ago – the worst attack Israel has suffered since its founding in 1948 – between 100 and 200 people have been reported missing, according to the military.

According to Israeli authorities, more than 1,400 people were killed by Hamas fighters during the offensive, most of whom were civilians who were shot, burned alive or mutilated on the first day of the attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “destroy” Hamas after the attack.

At least 4,137 people have been killed in Gaza in the ceaseless bombardments launched by Israel since then, including more than 1,500 children and 13,162 wounded in the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli army’s ground operation, where large numbers have already gathered, has not yet taken place . of troops and equipment at the border. (JO)