The long nightmare in captivity for two of the hostages taken by Hamas during its deadly surprise attack on Israel has ended, Israeli authorities said.
Judith Raanan, 59, and her daughter, Natalie Raanan, 17, have been released by Hamas to the Red Cross and have returned to Israel, according to the IDF.
Israeli Prime Minister Announces Their Return
The Raanans, originally from Illinois, found themselves caught in a horrifying situation when they were visiting Israel to celebrate a relative’s birthday. They were taken hostage by Hamas during the surprise attack, which left their family in anguish for weeks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced their return, stating that they were received at the border of the Gaza Strip and were on their way to a meeting point at a military base in the center of the country, where their anxious family members were eagerly waiting for their safe return.
Hamas, on the other hand, offered a different perspective, claiming that the mother and daughter were released for humanitarian reasons and to challenge what they perceived as baseless claims made by the U.S. administration.
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A Heartwarming Development of International Cooperation
The International Committee of the Red Cross played a crucial role in facilitating the release, ensuring the safe transportation of the hostages from Gaza to Israel. ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric expressed relief, calling this release a sliver of hope after two weeks of agony for the families.
President Joe Biden, who had been closely monitoring the situation, expressed his joy at the news of the Raanans’ safe return.
He extended his gratitude to the governments of Qatar and Israel for their collaborative efforts in securing their release. The President also emphasized his commitment to bringing all unaccounted-for Americans back home, offering solace to the families of the missing.
The release of Judith and Natalie Raanan has been a heartwarming development, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and the tireless efforts of various entities in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals caught in the midst of conflict.
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