Hamas has released two American hostages, Judith Tai Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie Raanan. They were abducted nearly two weeks ago during a deadly attack in Israel where around 200 people were taken captive.
The U.S. citizens were handed over at the border with Gaza and are now in the care of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), according to IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari.
The Raanans, from Chicago, were visiting relatives in Nahal Oz, a farming community in southern Israel when they were taken hostage on October 7, as confirmed by their family.
U.S. President Joe Biden personally spoke to the pair following their release, expressing his relief and support. In a phone call from the Oval Office, he told them,
"I'm glad you're out."
The release of the American hostages is a significant development in a complex situation that unfolded after the attack launched by Hamas, resulting in the tragic loss of more than 1,400 lives, including civilians and soldiers, according to Israeli authorities. This attack stands as one of the most deadly incidents involving militants in Israel's history.
In response to the attack, Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza and initiated a series of airstrikes into the Palestinian enclave, deepening its humanitarian crisis. The airstrikes have taken a toll on the civilian population, with more than 4,100 people losing their lives, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
The release of the hostages came through negotiations on "humanitarian grounds" because the mother, Judith Raanan, is in poor health. The negotiation process involved discussions between Qatar and Hamas.
Hamas spokesperson Abu Obaida stated that the release of the American hostages was in response to Qatari efforts and was carried out for humanitarian reasons. This move aimed to disprove claims made by the Biden administration and show that these claims are "false and baseless."
Qatar has confirmed the release of the two American hostages and expressed its intention to continue dialogue with Israel and Hamas to secure the release of all civilian hostages from various nationalities.
Hamas, in its statement, emphasized its commitment to working with mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and other "friendly countries" to release foreign nationals under temporary custody as security circumstances permit.
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