Hamas has set free two American captives, Judith Raanan and her daughter, Natalie Raanan, who were taken during its assault on southern Israel.
In a sudden attack on October 7 by the Palestinian group, they killed around 1,400 individuals and abducted nearly 200. The Ezzedeen al-Qassam Brigades, the military branch of Hamas, released the captives citing “humanitarian reasons” after negotiations mediated by Qatar, as conveyed by spokesman Abu Ubaida on Friday.
The office of the Israeli prime minister verified that both Judith and Natalie Raanan were freed and are now in Israel.
US President Joe Biden acknowledged both Qatar and Israel for their collaboration in ensuring the release of the duo. A representative from Qatar’s foreign ministry mentioned that the liberation of the American captives was a result of “prolonged discussions with all involved parties”. They also expressed their aspirations that dialogues would facilitate the “liberation of civilian captives of all nationalities”.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) affirmed its involvement in the release process of the two Americans. “The ICRC played a pivotal role in the release, transporting the captives from Gaza to Israel, highlighting our essential role as an impartial mediator in conflicts,” the ICRC stated.
The organization emphasized its stance, urging the swift release of all captives. They are prepared to visit and aid in the release of any remaining captives, provided an agreement is established between the involved parties. Earlier that day, Hamas disclosed its decision to release the two Americans, attributing it to Qatar’s diplomatic interventions. On the same day, the Israeli military expressed their belief that most of the abducted individuals remain alive.
According to Israeli authorities, a significant portion of the 1,400 casualties from the Hamas attack were non-combatants.
In retaliation, Israel launched a series of attacks on the Gaza Strip, resulting in the death of approximately 4,137 individuals, with the majority being civilians as reported by the health department governed by Hamas. Israel has also initiated a comprehensive blockade on the region, stipulating its removal only upon the release of Israeli captives.
Among those detained are women, children, seniors, and individuals of different nationalities, including some Israeli troops. Efforts are ongoing to secure their release.
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