"Two have been released, but 200 more are being held": IDF speaker accused Hamas of showing off

The IDF spokesman confirmed the release of two American hostages kidnapped by Hamas. At the same time, he accused the terrorist group of showing off as it continues to hold about 200 more prisoners.

This was reported by the Israeli English-language online newspaper The Times of Israel. The publication quotes the words of IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, who said during a press conference in Tel Aviv.

Hagari confirmed that Judith Tai Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie were released by Hamas and are under the protection of Israeli troops. At the same time, he pointed out that the terrorist group is holding another 200 hostages, including women and children.

"Hamas is presenting itself to the world at this time as someone who releases hostages for humanitarian reasons. But in reality, we are talking about a terrorist group of murderers who are currently holding babies, children, women, and the elderly captive," Hagari said.

According to him, the IDF continues its efforts to return the hostages to Israel.

Hagari added that the IDF continues to prepare for "the next stages of the fighting," which will include a major ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

"The fighting is likely to continue for many more weeks," he said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

Israel evacuates a city of 20 thousand people near the border with Lebanon. The IDF continues to prepare for a ground operation in the Gaza Strip, but the Lebanese group Hezbollah has joined the Palestinian militants Hamas as reinforcements.

Ukraine continues to evacuate its citizens from Israel after the Hamas attack. The day before, on October 19, a fourth evacuation flight took off from Israel, bringing another 79 Ukrainian citizens to Romania.

However, 24 Ukrainians were killed and three others went missing as a result of the Hamas attack. Citizens of Ukraine and the United States are among the victims of the attack.

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