**Breaking News:** American Hostages Released by Hamas in Israel-Hamas War
By Olivia Land
Published Oct. 20, 2023
Updated Oct. 20, 2023, 1:37 p.m. ET
In a surprising turn of events, Hamas has announced the release of two American hostages who were abducted earlier this month. The terrorist group cited “humanitarian reasons” for their release and claimed it was to refute the claims made by the Biden administration.
According to the Times of Israel, Hamas made the announcement in response to efforts by Qatar. However, Israeli officials have not yet confirmed the alleged release. It is reported that the two victims are now in the hands of the Red Cross.
The only American mother and daughter believed to have been among those kidnapped are Judith Raanan and her 18-year-old daughter, Natalie. They were taken hostage during Hamas’ attack on Kibbutz Nahal Oz 13 days ago. Their rabbi, Meir Hecht, described their trip to Israel as a “really special” celebration of a relative’s birthday and the Jewish holiday season.
Hamas’ raid on October 7, known as Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, resulted in the capture of at least 203 people, including young children and the elderly. Hundreds more were killed as Hamas launched thousands of rockets within a couple of hours. This marked the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, which has claimed the lives of over 1,400 Israelis.
Israeli officials have been committed to wiping out Hamas while also working to rescue the hostages, many of whom were believed to be held in the terror cells’ tunnel system underneath Gaza. Hamas had suggested earlier that the hostages could be exchanged for the Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
In their statement, Hamas claimed that over 20 hostages had been killed by Israeli airstrikes, but did not provide further details. In response, Israel announced that its blockade of the Gaza Strip would not be lifted until all the hostages were released.
As of October 20, it was confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces that more than 20 of the hostages were under the age of 18, with another 10 to 20 over the age of 60. The IDF expressed belief that the majority of the hostages were still alive, although they continued to search for missing Israelis along the Gaza border.
The families of the hostages have been vocal in expressing their agony and frustration with the Israeli government. Bring Them Home Now, an organization representing the loved ones of the missing, has been working tirelessly to advocate for their release.
Hamas’ sudden release of the American hostages has brought a glimmer of hope to an otherwise harrowing situation. The international community anxiously awaits further developments in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
*With Post wires*