HARROWING images show the moment two Israeli hostages stood beside armed Hamas guards just moments before they were set free.

The two Israeli women – Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, and Nurit Cooper, 79, – were released by the Palestinian militant group earlier this evening.

The Israeli duo were released for “compelling humanitarian” reasons following mediation by Qatar and Egypt. 

Abu Obaida, the spokesman for the Hamas’ armed wing said: “We decided to release them for humanitarian and poor health grounds … Despite that, the enemy refused to receive them last Friday”.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said in a statement that it “facilitated the release of two more hostages by transporting them out of Gaza this evening.”

They added: “Our role as a neutral intermediary between the warring parties makes this work possible.

“We are ready to visit the remaining hostages and to facilitate any future release.

“We are glad that these persons will be soon reunited with their families and loved ones.”

Daniel Lifshitz, the grandson of released hostage Yocheved Lifshitz, told local media that he and his family are “excited and happy” that his grandmother “is coming back to us.”

The British daughter of Yocheved Lifshitz has also spoken of her relief.

Sharone Lifschitz said: “I can confirm that my mother Yochi (Yocheved) Lifshitz was one of two hostages released to the Red Cross this evening.

“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.”

She also revealed she had not heard from either of her parents since Hamas’s ambush more than two weeks ago and described them as having complex health needs, telling Times Radio that her father had recorded high blood pressure the night before he was captured.

Both former hostages are now reportedly in Israeli custody after being handed over to the Israel Defense Forces.

They are currently making their way to Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital, next door to the Defense Ministry headquarters in Israel where they will be reunited with their families, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

The statement thanked Egypt “for its help” and the Red Cross “for its important life-saving role,” and indicates that the Israeli military also played a role in their release.

“The IDF and security forces did much work in the last days via all channels to bring about their release and overcome the many obstacles raised by Hamas,” it said.

A spokeswoman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: “We welcome the release of a further two hostages this evening.

“Our thoughts remain with the families of loved ones still being held captive, as they endure unimaginable anguish and worry at this time.

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“We will continue to work tirelessly with Qatar, Israel, and others to ensure all hostages come home safely.”

The Israeli military has claimed there are 222 hostages currently being held captive in Gaza following the brutal October 7 massacre.

The key Hamas negotiator, Khaled Meshaal, has revealed to Sky News that the group being held captive inside Gaza will be released if Israel reduces the intensity of bombing Gaza.

“Let them stop this aggression and you will find the mediators like Qatar and Egypt and some Arab countries and others will find a way to have them released and we’ll send them to their homes,” he said.

Meshaal said the hostages cannot be freed while Israel’s air offensive remains so intense.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly delaying a full invasion due to concerns over securing the northern border with Lebanon, according to Israeli media.

He is said to have clashed with IDF chiefs who are eager to start the assault on Gaza.

the recent release follows the freeing of two American captives on October 20.

Judith Raanan and her teenage daughter Natalie were released by Hamas as fears grew around a full-scale invasion.

The mother-daughter duo – understood to be around 60 and 17 respectively – were believed to have travelled from Chicago to Nahal Oz kibbutz in Israel for a family member’s birthday when the horror attacks began on October 7.

A photo released showed the moment they were escorted back across the border by troops.

Last week Ubaida said the two US hostages had been freed for “humanitarian reasons”.

He added the release was “to prove to the American people and the world that the allegations of Biden and his fascist administration are false allegations that have no basis in truth.”

It’s feared many of the hostages – both Israeli and non-Israeli citizens – are being held in Hamas’ mysterious 311-mile maze of tunnels underground.

US President Joe Biden said he was “overjoyed” by the news of the women’s release.

He said: “Our fellow citizens have endured a terrible ordeal these past 14 days, and I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear.

“As I told those families [of the hostages] when I spoke with them last week – we will not stop until we get their loved ones home.

“As president, I have no higher priority than the safety of Americans held hostage around the world.”

Rishi Sunak said he was also pleased to hear the news of Judith and Natalie’s return.

The PM said: “I welcome the release of two US hostages in Gaza and thank Qatar for their leadership on this issue.

“I discussed efforts to free hostages with Amir Tamim Bin Hamad
today and we will continue to work tirelessly with Qatar, Israel, and others to ensure all hostages come home safely.”

Discussions are “ongoing” for the release of further hostages from Gaza, a source close to the negotiations told news agency Reuters.