Hamas frees 2 more hostages

As US advises delaying ground war to allow talks on captives

RAFAH (AP) – Hamas on Monday released two elderly Israeli women held hostage in Gaza as the United States expressed increasing concern that the escalating Israel-Hamas war will spark a wider conflict in the region, including attacks on American troops.

The death toll in Gaza rose rapidly as Israel ramped up airstrikes that flattened buildings in what it said was preparation for an eventual ground assault.

The US advised Israel to delay the expected invasion to allow time to negotiate the release of more hostages taken by Hamas during its brutal incursion two weeks ago.

The two freed hostages, 85-yearold Yocheved Lifschitz and 79-yearold Nurit Cooper, were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, where they were put into ambulances, according to footage shown on Egyptian TV.

The two women, along with their husbands, were snatched from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border during Hamas’ Oct. 7 rampage into southern Israeli communities. Their husbands, ages 83 and 84, were not released.

“While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those – some 200 innocent people – who remain hostages in Gaza,” Lifschitz’ daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, said in a statement.

Lifschitz, in a TV interview, said she had been through hell and suffered bruises while being kidnapped from her kibbutz.

She also said she had witnessed a huge network of tunnels after being captured on Oct. 7.

Lifschitz also said there were doctors and paramedics waiting to receive them.

“There were guards and a doctor who took care of us. They also took care of the sanitary side of things so that we don’t get sick,” she added.