The Palestinian Islamic Jihad said Thursday it was prepared to release two Israeli hostages on humanitarian grounds.
The names of the two hostages were being withheld by CNN at the request of their families, but they’ve been described as a 77-year-old woman and 13-year-old boy.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari referenced the militant organization’s announcement in his daily evening news conference, saying, “We have not missed, and we will not miss, any chance to return hostages.”
Roughly 240 people were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7 in the midst of its terror attack on Israel, including several Americans. Negotiations have been ongoing between the U.S., Israel and Qatar to secure their release from Hamas’ capture.
So far, two American hostages, a mother and daughter from Illinois, and two elderly Israeli women have been freed by Hamas.
Thursday marks the first time the Palestinian Islamic Jihad has said it will release hostages amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
PHOTO: Posters in Israel calling for return of the hostages taken by Hamas
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