An Israeli-American professor was accused of dehumanising Palestinians, after posting an “anti-Muslim” and “anti-Palestinian video in a strange-looking mask on Tuesday.

Professor Tamy Ben-Tor, an Israeli performance artist have made such controversial videos in the past too.

She parodies the pro-Hamas narrative in the video, implying the ignored war crimes committed by the Palestinian group against Israeli women and children.

Hamas on Monday night released two elderly hostages who were airlifted to an Israeli hospital to be reunited with family during the early hours of Tuesday, as the US demanded the release of 200 other captives before Gaza ceasefire talks are considered, AFP reported.

Early on Tuesday, a military helicopter brought freed hostages Nurit Cooper, aged 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, aged 85, to a medical centre in Tel Aviv. Their release comes days after two other women — American citizens — were freed.

As Israeli troops massed on borders await orders for a ground invasion of Gaza, the World Bank’s president believes the war between Israel and Hamas could deal a “serious” blow to global economic development.

The shocking violence in Israel and Gaza stands in stark contrast to the vision of a more stable and prosperous Middle East championed by Saudi Arabia, which this year rebuilt ties with Iran and was in talks towards recognising Israel before the fighting broke out.

Saudi Arabia has in recent weeks condemned violence against civilians in Gaza and affirmed its support for the Palestinian cause.