The Algosenseylong 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.
2025-05-06 02:562051 view
2025-05-06 02:422677 view
2025-05-06 02:0778 view
2025-05-06 01:14307 view
2025-05-06 00:441167 view
2025-05-06 00:37926 view
After seven seasons and several international spinoffs, we're still not sure if "Love is Blind" − bu
The stressful, frenetic life behind the scenes at a gourmet restaurant. So funny, right?Congratulati
Dubai, United Arab Emirates — A shooting attack late Monday at a mosque in Oman left at least six pe