Gal Hirsch: We worked hard despite the difficulties placed by Hamas

Gal Hirsch, who is in charge of the issue of the abductees and missing on behalf of the Prime Minister, commented on the release of Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper from Hamas captivity, saying, "The IDF and the security forces have worked hard in the last few days in all channels to bring about their release and to overcome the many difficulties that Hamas has piled up. After being handed over to IDF troops, they are making their way at this time to a medical center in Israel that was organized and prepared especially to receive them. There, their family members will be waiting for them."

"Amiram, the 85-year-old husband of Cooper, and Oded, the 83-year-old husband of Lifshitz, who were abducted together with them, are still being held by the brutal terrorist organization along with the other hostages, and we will continue to work in every way to get them back," he added.

"We thank Egypt for the assistance, and the Red Cross for their important role as life-savers. The Israeli government, the IDF and the entire defense establishment will continue to act with the best of their abilities and efforts in order to locate all of the missing and return all of the hostages home," said Hirsch.