Israel-Gaza conflict: Hamas releases two American hostages

The released US nationals were identified as Judith Tai Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie Raanan.

They were kidnapped during the initial attack carried out by the Hamas group against Israel two weeks ago.

Prime Minister of Israel's X page wrote: "This evening, Judith Tai Raanan and her daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan were released by the terrorist organization Hamas."

Speaking on the release of the two US citizens, PM Benjamin Netanyahu said: "Two of our kidnapped are home. We will not relent in our effort to return all of the kidnapped and the missing." "At the same time, we continue to fight till victory," he said.

US President Joe Biden said he spoke to the two Americans released from the custody of Hamas.

"I just spoke with the two Americans released today after being held hostage by Hamas. I let them know that their government will fully support them as they recover and heal," Biden said.

"Jill and I will continue holding close in our hearts all the families of unaccounted for Americans," he said.

In a separate statement, the President said he felt overjoyed that the released persons would now unite with the family members.

"Our fellow citizens have endured a terrible ordeal these past 14 days, and I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear," Biden said.

"From the earliest moments of this attack, we have been working around-the-clock to free American citizens who were taken hostage by Hamas, and we have not ceased our efforts to secure the release of those who are still being held," he said.

Biden thanked Qatar and the government of Israel for their partnership in the work.

US State Secretary Antony Blinken said the two released persons were in the safe hands of Israeli authorities at present.

"Today, two American citizens who Hamas had held hostage since carrying out its appalling terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7 were released. They are now safely in the hands of Israeli authorities in Israel and a team from the U.S. embassy will meet with them shortly," he posted on X.

"We have been working relentlessly with partners to secure their release. While I cannot share the details of those efforts, the urgent work to free American citizens and other hostages continues, as does our work to secure safe passage out of Gaza for Americans trapped there," he said.

Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, firing thousands of rockets and infiltrating Israeli territory, where it seized a large number of hostages.