Statement by the Prime Minister's Office–Coordinator for the Captives and Missing

Coordinator for the Captives and Missing Brig.-Gen. (Ret.) Gal Hirsch updates that today (Monday, 23 October 2023), Nurit Cooper (79) and Yocheved Lifshitz (85) were released by the Hamas terrorist organization.

The two women were abducted from their homes on Kibbutz Nir Oz during the murderous assault on Saturday (7 October 2023). Nurit Cooper's husband Amiram (85) and Yocheved Lifshitz's husband Oded (83), who were abducted with them are still being held by the brutal terrorist organization along with the other captives, and we will continue to do everything possible for their return.

The IDF and the security forces have been very active in recent days, on all channels, in order to achieve their release and to overcome the many difficulties that Hamas has created.

Following their handover to the IDF, they are currently en route to a hospital in Israel, which has been specially prepared to receive them, and where their families are waiting for them.

We thank Egypt, for its assistance, and the Red Cross for their important role in saving lives.

The Government of Israel, the IDF and the entire security establishment will continue to work with the best capabilities, and make every effort, to locate all of the missing and bring all of the captives back home.