A newly released Hamas hostage describes her experience in captivity. House Republicans will narrow down the eight remaining speaker candidates to choose a nominee. And crashes involving 150 vehicles on a Louisiana highway killed at least seven people.
Here’s what to know today.
Two more hostages released by Hamas
The release of two more hostages by Hamas was welcome news for loved ones desperate for their return, but many are still in agony over the 200-plus people who remain captive.
The two hostages released last night were identified as Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz. Both had been released for “compelling humanitarian” reasons, the military wing of Hamas said in a statement on Telegram.
“I believed this moment would come,” said Lifshitz’s grandson, Daniel Lifshitz. “I wanted this moment to come.” He added, “We’re expecting the rest to be released, all hostages from the kibbutz, and all hostages in general.”
The two women have been recovering at a hospital in Tel Aviv, which said in a video statement that their medical condition was “fine” and they had a reunion with their family members.
Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, described the ‘hell’ of being taken hostage but also her time in captivity, where she said she was treated well. She told reporters in her hospital that after being seized by militants she was put on a motorbike to be taken into Gaza, beaten with sticks, and then taken through a network of tunnels.
Read the full story about Cooper and Lifshitz’s release.
In a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Lifshitz and Cooper’s release, President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to efforts to secure the release of hostages and to continue the flow of aid into Gaza. The U.S. has advised Israel to delay a ground invasion into Gaza to allow more time for hostage negotiations and humanitarian aid.
Follow our live updates here.
This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your morning. Sign…
Read the full article here