Israel has confirmed that two female hostages have been released by Hamas.
The two have been confirmed as Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz.
There was initial speculation by Israeli media and international outlets that 50 hostages were set to be freed from Gaza.
This brings the total of hostages released by Hamas to four.
The International Committee of the Red Cross says it facilitated the transfer of the hostages.
In its latest estimate, Israel says that more than 200 hostages are being held by Hamas after its surprise attack on Israel on 7th October.
More than 1,400 Israelis were killed when Hamas attacked communities near Gaza on 7th October, shooting civilians dead in their homes, in the streets and at a music festival.
Gaza's health ministry says more than 5,000 people have been killed since Israel began bombing the territory in response, flattening entire neighbourhoods.
Source: BBC
