Two American hostages kidnapped by Hamas have been released and are in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Friday, after the militant group announced it had released the American women.
The prime minister’s office released the names of the freed women, saying Judith Tai Raanan and Natalie Shoshana Raanan were abducted from the Nahal Oz kibbutz during the October 7 shocking Islamist attacks on Israeli territory and taken to the nearby Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden said on Friday that he was happy to learn about the release of two American hostages kidnapped by Hamas.
“Today we secured the release of two American women who were taken hostage by Hamas in a horrific terrorist attack on Israel on October 7,” Biden said in a statement.
“Our countrywomen have been through a terrible ordeal in the last 14 days and I am very happy that they will soon return to their families who have been chained by fear.”
Mr. Biden thanked Qatar, the Gulf state that hosts Hamas’ political office and has previously mediated deals between the group and Israel, and the Israeli government “for their partnership in this work.”
The US president vowed to continue working to free other Americans held hostage by Hamas after the attack. He spoke with the families of some of them last week.
“We will not stop until their loved ones come home.” As president, I have no higher priority than the safety of Americans held hostage around the world,” Mr. Biden emphasized.
For its part, the International Committee of the Red Cross said on Friday that it had contributed to efforts to free two United States citizens held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) helped facilitate this liberation by transporting hostages from the Gaza Strip to Israel, highlighting the real impact of our role as a neutral actor between the warring parties,” the organization said in a statement.
“The International Committee of the Red Cross continues to call for the immediate release of all hostages.” We are ready to visit the remaining hostages and in the future, if the parties reach an agreement, to help free them.”
“Hostages must be allowed access to humanitarian aid and medical care while in captivity.”
Hamas, the group that rules the Gaza Strip, said earlier Friday that its armed wing had released two American hostages who were kidnapped along with about 200 others during the militant group’s attacks in Israel on October 7.
“In response to Qatar’s efforts, [Ezzedine’o] al-Qassam Brigades released two American citizens (a mother and her daughter) on humanitarian grounds,” Hamas said in a statement posted on the Telegram platform.
The Islamist group did not provide details on how and when the hostages were released.
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#Israel #confirmed #Hamas #released #American #hostages
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today. We’re discussing a significant recent development regarding the American hostages released by Hamas. With me is an expert in Middle Eastern affairs, Dr. Sarah Klein. Dr. Klein, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Klein**: Thank you for having me.
**Editor**: To start, can you provide some context on the kidnappings that occurred on October 7? What was the situation like for those affected?
**Dr. Klein**: Certainly. On October 7, during a series of coordinated attacks by Hamas, many individuals, including Judith Tai Raanan and her daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan, were kidnapped from the Nahal Oz kibbutz. The violence of that day shocked Israeli society and reverberated internationally, with the hostages taken into Gaza, where they faced a terrifying ordeal.
**Editor**: The release of the two American women has been met with relief. What does their release mean for U.S.-Israel relations?
**Dr. Klein**: Their release is a critical moment. It demonstrates effective diplomatic engagement, particularly between the U.S., Israel, and even Qatar, which has acted as a mediator. In President Biden’s statement, he noted the importance of partnership in securing their freedom, which could enhance cooperation moving forward.
**Editor**: President Biden expressed gratitude towards the government of Qatar and mentioned ongoing efforts to free other hostages. How significant is this aspect in the broader context of U.S. foreign policy in the region?
**Dr. Klein**: It’s very significant. The Biden administration is keenly aware of the impact of hostilities on American citizens. The promise to continue working for the release of other hostages indicates a strong commitment to U.S. citizens abroad and highlights the U.S.’s role in regional diplomacy, especially with complex actors like Hamas and its supporters.
**Editor**: There have been reports that the International Committee of the Red Cross played a role in this release. What can you tell us about their involvement?
**Dr. Klein**: The ICRC has a long-standing tradition of engaging in humanitarian work, including facilitating negotiations in conflict zones. Their involvement in this case underscores the importance of international humanitarian organizations in negotiations and the overall process of conflict resolution.
**Editor**: As we look ahead, what do you think the implications of this release might be for future U.S.-Hamas relations?
**Dr. Klein**: While we can’t expect a complete turnaround, this could represent an opportunity for dialogue. The issue of hostages often brings differing parties to the negotiating table. It’s a chance for the U.S. to emphasize humanitarian concerns while also reinforcing its stance against terrorism.
**Editor**: Dr. Klein, thank you for your insights today. It’s crucial to stay informed about these complex dynamics, especially in a region where civilian lives are deeply affected by these conflicts.
**Dr. Klein**: Thank you for having me. It’s important to continue these discussions.