GAZA/JERUSALEM, Oct 21 (NNN-WAFA/MA’AN) – Hamas said in a statement yesterday that, it has released two American hostages for “humanitarian reasons,” in response to Qatari efforts.
It said, it made the move to prove that the U.S. allegations were “false and baseless.” This is the first time that the Gaza-ruling party released hostages, since the conflict began two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, confirmed the release of the two hostages, in a statement.
“This evening (yesterday), two hostages were released from the hands of Hamas,” the office said in a statement, identifying the two released as Judith Raanan and Natalie Raanan.
The statement added that, the two released were “received on the border with Gaza and are on the way to a military base where they will meet their families.”
Israeli media Channel 2 reported earlier that, the two are a mother and daughter, who are U.S. citizens. It is unclear whether they are also Israeli citizens.
In a press release, U.S. President, Joe Biden, also confirmed his administration secured the release of two American hostages and thanked Qatar and Israel for their partnership in this work.
