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.
The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed to ABC News that two American women were released by Hamas and are currently with the Red Cross.
The women were identified as Judith Raanan, 59, and her daughter, Natalie Raanan, 17, the IDF said. Their conditions were not immediately clear.
The Raanans are from Illinois. Ben Raanan, the brother of Natalie Raanan and son of Judith Raanan, said his mom and sister were in Israel for a relative's birthday when they were taken hostage.
Hamas said in a statement that the hostages, a mother and daughter who are both Americans, were released "for humanitarian reasons, and to prove to the American people and the world that the claims made by Biden and his fascist administration are false and baseless."
Hamas militants took more than 200 people hostage on Oct. 7 when thousands of its fighters steamrolled through numerous areas of the border fence separating Gaza from Israel. Hamas militants fired thousands of rockets and indiscriminately gunned down soldiers and civilians caught off guard by the early morning rampage.
An undetermined number of hostages are believed to be American citizens.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
2025-01-19 13:06597 view
2025-01-19 13:061925 view
2025-01-19 12:211121 view
2025-01-19 12:19440 view
2025-01-19 12:102634 view
2025-01-19 12:032580 view
Kid Rock is of two minds about the 2024 presidential election results — and he's sharing both.The 53
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and Threads, announced Tuesday that the company will
We included these products chosen by Olivia Culpo because we think you'll like her picks at these pr