TEL AVIV: After Hamas released two more female hostages, Israel escalated airstrikes in Gaza. Pamphlets were distributed offering peace and money to Palestinian citizens who provide information about the hostages. Israel stated that 222 hostages are still held.

Yesterday morning (Indian time) two elderly Israeli women, Yocheved Lifshitz (85) and Narit Cooper (79) were released. Two American women were freed on Friday. Lifshitz shared that although they initially suffered, they were treated with respect, provided with food and medical care. They were taken away on a motorcycle, beaten with sticks and had their belongings taken. They were transported through a tunnel a few kilometres across the border.

Gaza has an intricate network of tunnels. Hamas members assured them that they would not be harmed providing clean accommodations, mattresses and periodic medical check-ups. Each of the five hostages had a guard. Lifshitz described their meals as consisting of bread, white cheese and cucumbers.

On October 7, they were both captured near the Gaza border in Niroz. Their release followed mediation by Egypt and Qatar. They were airlifted to Israel after being handed over to Red Cross representatives at the Rafah border. There is footage of Lifshitz shaking hands with a masked Hamas member before being handed over. The husbands of the hostages are still in Gaza. It's reported that 50 more people might be released including those with dual citizenship.

In the Israeli attack 5,000 people were killed in Gaza with half of them being children. The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that, in the 24 hours until yesterday morning, 436 people including 182 children were killed in Israeli attacks. On the 7th, Hamas killed over 1,400 Israelis.

French President Emmanuel Macron met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Macron is also scheduled to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.