American Woman and Teenage Daughter Freed by Hamas in Gaza
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — In a surprising turn of events, Hamas has released an American woman and her teenage daughter who were held hostage in Gaza. Israel confirmed the release, marking the first instance of release out of the roughly 200 people that were abducted by the militant group on October 7. Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie were safely handed over to the Israeli military, according to an army spokesman. Hamas stated that they released the hostages for humanitarian reasons as part of an agreement with the Qatari government.
The release comes at a time when tensions in Gaza are escalating, with Israel preparing for a potential ground offensive to eradicate Hamas militants who control the region. While Israel has stated that they do not intend to take long-term control of the Gaza Strip, they have been engaged in airstrikes to punish Gaza. Meanwhile, efforts are being made to provide aid to the desperate families and hospitals in Gaza, with assistance expected to come from Egypt.
Judith and Natalie Raanan were visiting Israel from their home in suburban Chicago to celebrate Jewish holidays when they were caught in the turmoil. They were in the kibbutz of Nahal Oz, near Gaza, when Hamas and other militants stormed into southern Israeli towns, resulting in hundreds of casualties and the abduction of 203 people. The family had not received any communication from the hostages since the attack and were informed by U.S. and Israeli officials that they were being held in Gaza.
U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his joy at the release of the hostages and spoke with them and their relatives. The International Committee of the Red Cross, which facilitated their transportation from Gaza to Israel, described their release as a “sliver of hope.” Relatives of other captives welcomed the release and called for the liberation of all hostages.
Hamas noted in a statement that they are working with mediators to resolve the issue of hostages, depending on the security situation. They affirmed their commitment to mediation efforts undertaken by Egypt, Qatar, and other countries. Qatar stated that they will continue their dialogue with Israel and Hamas with the objective of securing the release of all hostages and de-escalating the current crisis.
Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed that Israel is continuing to work towards the release of hostages and locating the missing individuals. He emphasized that Israel’s goals remain unchanged and they are prepared for the next stage of the war against Hamas.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with a potential ground assault likely to result in more casualties on both sides. Over 1,400 people in Israel have been killed in the conflict, mostly civilians targeted during the Hamas incursion. Meanwhile, Gaza has seen more than 4,100 deaths, according to the Health Ministry controlled by Hamas. The region’s hospitals are overwhelmed, with limited resources and rationed supplies.
As Israel looks into long-term plans for Gaza, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant outlined a three-stage plan that indicates Israel does not intend to reoccupy the territory. First, there will be airstrikes and potential ground attacks to target Hamas. Then, there will be a lower intensity fight to defeat remaining resistance. Finally, a new “security regime” will be established in Gaza, and Israel will relinquish responsibility for life in the Gaza Strip. The details of who would govern Gaza after Hamas and the specific elements of the new security regime remain unclear.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened since Israel halted the entry of supplies two weeks ago, depleting essential resources such as fuel, food, water, and medicine. Efforts to provide aid have been delayed due to border closures and logistical challenges. Israel has evacuated its own communities near Gaza and Lebanon, showing a preparedness for a potential widening of the conflict. The situation has sparked protests in various countries in the region, with tensions rising in the occupied West Bank as well.
The release of Judith Raanan and her daughter brings hope for the families of other hostages, as efforts continue to secure their freedom. As the conflict intensifies, the international community is urged to exert its influence in support of the release of all captives and the restoration of peace in the region.