Hamas releases two US hostages 'for humanitarian reasons'

The armed wing of Hamas has released two US hostages, a mother and her daughter, in response to Qatari mediation efforts.

The group's spokesman Abu Ubaida said they released the citizens "for humanitarian reasons, and to prove to the American people and the world that the claims made by (President Joe) Biden and his administration are false and baseless."

Earlier on Friday, the Israeli military said the majority of those kidnapped by Hamas and taken to the Gaza Strip were still alive.

About 200 people are currently thought to be held by Hamas and other armed groups.