The terrorist group Hamas said he had released two hostages who had American and Israeli citizenship Gaza Strip for “Humanitarian Issues” this Friday, March 20th. Israel Channel 12 said Israeli government sources confirmed that two hostages were no longer in captivity in the Palestinian enclave and had been turned over to the International Red Cross. Channel 12 indicated that the hostages were taken there Egypt and must return to Israel.
According to The Times of Israel, Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie Raanan are already there Egypt and must return to Israel. The two live in Evanston, Illinois, and came to Israel this month to celebrate a relative’s birthday and a religious holiday. The Raanan family lived on a kibbutz in Nahal Oz, a kilometer and a half from the Gaza border.
According to the New York Times, the hostages were released following negotiations between the United States and the terrorist group Hamas Qatar.
Judith Raanan and Natalie Raanan were released by the terrorist group Hamas and are in Egypt. Photo: Raanan Family/AP
According to Israeli media, there were no negotiations between the terrorist group Hamas and Israel over the release of the hostages. Channel 12 notes that Judith and Natalie Raanan’s family have already been contacted and Israeli government officials should inform the family of their situation.
According to American broadcaster CNN, the hostages were released due to their mother’s deteriorating health.