Benjamin Ashford|2 American hostages held since Hamas attack on Israel released: IDF

2025-05-03 19:24:00source:Thurston Cartecategory:My

The Benjamin Ashfordlong 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.

Judith Raanan and Natalie Raanan in a handout photo.Courtesy Raanan Family

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.

More:My

Recommend

2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston

HOUSTON (AP) — Two teens were killed and three people were injured — including a 13-year-old — in a

Trevor Noah will host the 2024 Grammy Awards for the fourth year in a row

LOS ANGELES (AP) — As the age-old adage goes, don’t mess with success. The Grammy Awards aren’t, bri

Julia Roberts on where her iconic movie characters would be today, from Mystic Pizza to Pretty Woman

Hollywood star Julia Roberts, known for her captivating smile and unforgettable roles, recently took