Hamas Frees 2 American Hostages Held in Gaza Since Oct 7 Attack

Gaza’s Hamas militants released two US nationals on Friday. These two were among around 200 hostages abducted by Hamas from Israel during the October 7 attacks.

The released hostages were Judith Tai Raanan and her daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan. The Israeli government confirmed their reelase.

US President Joe Biden said he was “overjoyed” at the news. He spoke to the two women over phone after they were freed.

Hamas sources said talks were on with Qatar and Egypt to free their “civilian” hostages. This hints that more hostages will be freed by Hamas in coming days.

Recently released American mother and daughter were taken hostage from the Nahal Oz kibbutz near the Israel-Gaza border on October 7. They on a holiday trip to Israel.

According to Israel, 203 people — Israelis, dual nationals and foreigners were abducted by Hamas gunmen. At least 1,400 people were killed by Hamas in Israel on Oct 7. More than 20 hostages were minors, while between 10 and 20 were over the age of 60.

There are also between 100 and 200 people missing since the Hamas attacks.

Israel resorted to bombing and airstrikes on Gaza as a retaliatory move which has left at least 4,137 people dead, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas administration.