(SNews) – Two American citizens have been released by the terrorist group Hamas after they were held captive in Gaza, according to a new report.
A source with knowledge of the release reportedly confirmed the release to Fox News.
The two American hostages, a mother and her daughter, were released “on humanitarian grounds” following Qatari mediation efforts, the report states.
They were identified as Judith and Natalie Raanan.
They were originally taken by Hamas from the Nahal Oz kibbutz in southern Israel near the Gaza Strip.
Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obaida also released a statement Friday about the hostages.
Obaida slammed the Biden admin as a “fascist administration” and claimed reports from the White House are “false and baseless.”
The Al-Qassam Brigades is the armed wing of Hamas.
In a statement, Obaida said:
“In response to Qatari efforts, Al-Qassam Brigades released two American citizens (a mother and her daughter) 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.”
A source reportedly told Fox News that the hostages are now in the care of the Red Cross.
The identities of the rest of the hostages have not been released.
As of this morning, there were 11 Americans unaccounted for.
The hostages were kidnapped when Hamas launched its war against Israel on Oct. 7.
The Israeli military said Thursday there are 203 Israeli hostages taken by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Speaking in Israel Wednesday, Democrat President Joe Biden said:
“There’s no higher priority than the release and safe return of all these hostages” captured by Hamas.
“To those who are living in limbo, waiting desperately to learn the fate of a loved one, especially to families of the hostages. You’re not alone.
“We’re working with partners throughout the region, pursuing every avenue to bring home those who are being held captive by Hamas,” Biden said.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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