Israeli authorities have confirmed that two American women who were held captive by Hamas during their surprise attack on Israel have been released. The Israeli Defense Forces stated that Judith Raanan, 59, and her daughter Natalie Raanan, 17, were handed over to the Red Cross and have now returned to Israel.
The conditions of their release are currently unknown. The Raanan family, who are from Illinois, were in Israel for a family event when they were taken hostage.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the hostages were received at the Gaza Strip border and will be taken to a military base in the country’s center, where their family members are waiting for them.
He reassured that the Israeli government and security forces will continue their efforts to locate all the missing individuals and ensure their safe return.
Judith Raanan and Natalie Raanan in a handout photo.© Courtesy Raanan Family
Hamas, in a statement, claimed that the hostages, who are both American citizens, were released for humanitarian reasons and to refute the allegations made by President Biden and his administration.
The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the transportation of the hostages from Gaza to Israel. The release of these two hostages brings a glimmer of hope, according to Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the ICRC.
She expressed immense relief that these families can finally be reunited after enduring two weeks of agony. It is believed that there are still several American citizens being held captive by Hamas, although the exact number remains unknown.
