Hamas on Friday released two American-Israeli hostages — a mother and daughter — nearly two weeks after they were abducted on Oct. 7 in a terror attack on southern Israel. The Israelis said the women were being taken to an Israeli army base, and the United States said that a U.S. team was heading to meet them. There was no word on their condition.
The two freed were Judith Raanan, 59, and her daughter Natalie Raanan, 17. Israeli and U.S. officials promised to continue to work to free the roughly 200 other hostages — from some 40 countries — who were also abducted. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken of the United States said that 10 Americans were still unaccounted for, adding that all “hostages should be released immediately and unconditionally.”
Abu Obeidah, the spokesman for Hamas’s armed wing, said Hamas had released the women for “humanitarian reasons” after mediation by Qatar. Qatar, a tiny Gulf nation that has ties to Hamas and other militant groups, joined the hostage negotiations almost immediately after the Oct. 7 attacks…..
Note…
There have been reports that there ARE quiet talks going on between parties involved….
Qatar is credited with helping things….
Hamas is saying it’s taking to several countries to free hostages….
It is unknown if ‘swaps’ are involved….
Does this put an Israeli ground incursion on hold?
President Biden has spoken to the mother and daughter released….
It is behind a paywall so I cannot read it, but did the New York Times actually call them “American-Israeli” hostages? (or those jamesb’s words?)
Judith Raanan and Natalie Raanan.
They were AMERICAN hostages, from suburban Chicago. I probably know someone who knows them. They did not live in Israel. They were visiting Israel.
Completely inappropriate (and very Trumpian) to say they are anything other than American.
Thank G-d they are free today.
CG….
Hamas on Friday released two American-Israeli hostages — a mother and daughter — nearly two weeks after they were abducted on Oct. 7 in a terror attack on southern Israel. The Israelis said the women were being taken to an Israeli army base, and the United States said that a U.S. team was heading to meet them. There was no word on their condition…..
Link…
Yes….
They got out….
Hopefully more will be released in good shape….
Though they will never be the same….