A glimmer of hope emerged in the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as two American hostages were released by the Islamist group yesterday. Judith and Natalie Raanan, a mother and daughter from Evanston, Illinois, were kidnapped by Hamas militants on October 7, when they attacked southern Israel near the Gaza border. They were taken from Nahal Oz kibbutz, where they were visiting relatives and held captive for nearly two weeks.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office announced that the women were freed and transported to a military base in central Israel, where they were reunited with their families. They were the first hostages to be liberated since the outbreak of violence that has claimed the lives of more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and left around 200 others in Hamas custody.
Hamas said that the release was a humanitarian gesture, mediated by Qatar, and a way to challenge the accusations of the US President and his administration, who have denounced Hamas as a terrorist organization. A spokesman for Hamas’s armed wing also said that the release was meant to show the American people and the world that Hamas is not the aggressor in this conflict, but rather a victim of Israeli aggression.
Read Also:
Hamas: We Have Full Control Of Gaza Border – Israeli Military
‘They Are Dead Men’ – Israel Vows To Wipe Palestinian Group
Escalating Tensions: Israeli Emergency Government Formed Amidst Ongoing Conflict
The Israeli army confirmed that most of the hostages were still alive, and vowed to continue its efforts to rescue them. Israel has also pledged to destroy Hamas, which controls Gaza and has launched a relentless campaign of air strikes, siege, and blockade on the coastal enclave. More than 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza are facing a humanitarian crisis, as they lack food, fuel, medicine, and other basic necessities.
The UN Secretary-General visited the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Friday and urged both sides to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza as soon as possible. He also called for an immediate ceasefire and a political solution to end the bloodshed.
The Palestinian health ministry reported that at least 4,137 Palestinians have been killed, including hundreds of children, and 13,000 wounded in Gaza since October 7. The UN said that more than a million Palestinians have been displaced by the Israeli bombardment.
Israel has also mobilized tanks and troops near the edge of Gaza for a possible ground invasion. The Palestinian Christian community in Gaza has also suffered from the Israeli attacks, as one of their churches was hit by an Israeli strike overnight. The church had been sheltering hundreds of Christians and Muslims who had fled their homes.
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.