A source with inside knowledge of the situation has confirmed to Fox News that the two American hostages, a mother, and her daughter, have been released “on humanitarian grounds” following extensive Qatari mediation efforts.
The American nationals were identified as Judith and Natalie Raanan, who were originally taken by Hamas from the Nahal Oz kibbutz in southern Israel near the Gaza Strip.
In a statement, Abu Obaida, the spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, said: “In response to Qatari efforts, Al-Qassam Brigades released two American citizens (a mother and her daughter) for humanitarian reasons, and to prove to the American people and the world that the claims made by Biden and his administration are false and baseless.”
For weeks, Israeli media has tried to convince you that Hamas was raping torturing and abusing hostages
Today, these two women walk upright out of Gaza pic.twitter.com/ANMEXJ8wEG
— Propaganda and co (@propandco) October 20, 2023
The release comes as the conflict between Israel and Hamas has raged on since October 7, leaving many American nationals and their families in distress.
Fox News has learned that the hostages are now in the care of the Red Cross, which played a crucial role in their safe release.
As of Friday morning, there were 11 Americans unaccounted for since Hamas launched its war against Israel, a situation that has weighed heavily on their loved ones and the nation as a whole.
The Israeli military reported on Thursday that there are 203 Israeli hostages taken by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, reflecting the alarming extent of the crisis.
President Biden, who visited Israel earlier this week, expressed the U.S. government’s dedication to ensuring the safe return of all hostages, emphasizing, “There’s no higher priority than the release and safe return of all these hostages” captured by Hamas.
“To those who are living in limbo, waiting desperately to learn the fate of a loved one, especially to families of the hostages — you’re not alone. We’re working with partners throughout the region, pursuing every avenue to bring home those who are being held captive by Hamas,” Biden said during his visit.
