Hamas' armed wing, the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, has released two U.S. hostages from Gaza — a mother and her daughter — "for humanitarian reasons" in response to Qatari mediation efforts in the war with Israel, its spokesman Abu Ubaida said on Friday.
It said more than 20 hostages have been killed by Israeli air strikes, but has not given any further details.
Israel has also said that there will be no end to its full blockade of the enclave unless Israeli hostages are freed.
Hamas has released a video of Mia Schem, a 21-year-old French-Israeli woman captured at a dance party.
American and British officials have confirmed they have been working with Qatar to secure the release of hostages, including their citizens, held in Gaza.
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Organizations:
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