The ruling authority in Gaza, Hamas, has released two American hostages on Friday.
According to AFP, the released hostages were among the approximately 200 individuals abducted during a series of brutal attacks that occurred in Israel on October 7.
The released hostages, Judith Tai Raanan and her daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan, have safely returned to Israel, as confirmed by the Israeli government.
Although specific details regarding their condition were not provided, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his joy upon learning of their release.
Hamas, in a statement, indicated that it is collaborating with Qatar and Egypt to secure the freedom of additional “civilian” hostages, implying that further releases could be anticipated.
Upon their arrival at the Gaza border, the two American women were met by an Israeli envoy and subsequently transported to a military base in central Israel, where their families were eagerly awaiting their reunion.
The mother and daughter were taken captive from the Nahal Oz kibbutz situated near the Israel-Gaza border during the attacks on October 7.
It was reported that they were in Israel for vacation at the time of their abduction.
Like many families of the hostages, the Raanan family had launched an international campaign to advocate for efforts to bring their loved ones out of Gaza.
Hamas cited humanitarian reasons and acknowledged the involvement of Qatar and Egypt in facilitating the release of the two American citizens, who had been held captive for a period following the October attacks.
