Release of Two American Hostages by Hamas: Judith and Natalie Raanan regain freedom

Hamas has released two American hostages who were taken during their recent raid on Israel. Israel has confirmed that Judith and Natalie Raanan, a mother and daughter, have been received from Hamas at the Gaza boundary. The release was made for "humanitarian reasons" according to Hamas. US President Joe Biden expressed his joy at their release and confirmed that he had spoken to them on the phone. These are the first captives to be freed since the attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in the death of 1,400 people and the taking of around 200 hostages. Palestinian officials report that over 4,000 people have been killed in Gaza due to Israeli bombardment. The Raanans were staying in southern Israel when they were abducted by Hamas. They have now been taken to a military base in the center of the country, where their family members were waiting. The release of the hostages has brought immense gratitude from their relatives and the Jewish community in their hometown. Their abduction occurred while they were celebrating Natalie's graduation and her grandmother's 85th birthday. US officials have been working tirelessly to free American citizens who were taken hostage by Hamas. Hamas claims that the release was made to prove that the claims made by President Biden and his administration are false. CNN has reported that Judith Raanan had been receiving treatment from the Red Cross due to poor health. Judith was born in Israel and worked in the US as an aesthetician and life coach. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his eagerness to welcome back the Raanans after they demonstrated immense bravery during the ordeal. As of now, 32 American citizens have been confirmed dead in the conflict, and 10 remain unaccounted for. The US and the UK are working with Qatari officials to secure the release of their own citizens. Other countries with nationals in Gaza who are being held include Argentina, Germany, France, Thailand, and Portugal. The Raanans were part of a larger family caught up in the attack, and other relatives are still missing. The situation is concerning, and efforts are being made to locate and secure the release of all civilian hostages.