Hamas, the Palestinian armed group that rules the Gaza Strip, released two American hostages being held on the 20th (local time).
According to Reuters, Hamas said in a statement posted on Telegram that day, “In response to Qatar’s efforts, Al Qassam Brigades released two American mothers and daughters on humanitarian grounds.” Al-Qassam Brigades are the military wing of Hamas.
This is the first release since Hamas kidnapped about 200 people in a surprise attack on Israel on the 7th. Some point out that “the timing of the release was set to put pressure on Israel to avoid ground operations in order to prevent Hamas from harming the hostages,” Israeli media outlet Ynet reported.
Israeli daily Haaretz and Time of Israel reported that Israeli authorities confirmed that Hamas’s release of hostages was true.
According to the media, Israeli officials identified the freed hostages as American national Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie.
The mother and daughter, who live in Evanston, Illinois, outside of Chicago, reportedly visited Israel this month to attend a relative’s birthday party and celebrate Jewish holidays. They were kidnapped by Hamas members while staying at Nahal Oz Kibbutz near the Gaza Strip.
It is reported that the mother and daughter’s recruits have been handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the Gaza Strip and will be transported to Israel through Egypt.
U.S. President Joe Biden also issued a statement on the same day, saying, “I confirm the release of the two Americans captured during the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas,” and “I am very happy that they will soon be reunited with their families.”
He continued, “From the beginning of this attack, we have been working to rescue American hostages held by Hamas,” and “These efforts have never stopped.”
“I express my gratitude to the governments of Qatar and Israel,” he said, adding, “There is nothing more important to me as president than the safe return of Americans held hostage around the world.”
U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken said in a separate briefing, “There are 10 more Americans whose whereabouts are unconfirmed in this war. Some of them are being held by Hamas along with a total of 200 other hostages,” he said, emphasizing that “all hostages must be released immediately and without conditions.”
Hyewon Lee, Donga.com
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.