Hamas Frees American Woman and Daughter Held Hostage in Gaza
October 22, 2021
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) —
Hamas released an American woman and her teenage daughter who had been held hostage in Gaza, Israel confirmed on Friday. This marks the first release from the approximately 200 people abducted by the militant group during its rampage on October 7th. The mother-daughter duo, Judith Raanan and Natalie, are now in the custody of the Israeli military after being transported out of the Gaza Strip. The release was carried out by Hamas for humanitarian reasons as part of an agreement with the Qatari government.
The news comes at a time when there are growing expectations of a ground offensive by Israel to root out Hamas militants who govern Gaza. However, Israel has stated that it does not plan to exercise long-term control over the small territory, home to 2.3 million people. As Israel continues its airstrikes on Gaza, efforts are underway to bring aid from Egypt to desperate families and hospitals. In addition, fighting between Israel and militants in neighboring Lebanon has escalated, resulting in evacuations of towns along the border.
Judith and Natalie Raanan had traveled from their home in suburban Chicago to Israel to celebrate Jewish holidays when they were caught up in the violence. Their family had received no communication from them since the attack and was informed by U.S. and Israeli officials that they were being held in Gaza. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his relief and joy at their release, stating that he had spoken with the hostages and their relatives. The International Committee of the Red Cross, which facilitated their transportation from Gaza to Israel, described their release as a “sliver of hope”.
The release of Judith and Natalie Raanan has been met with both relief and calls for the liberation of other hostages. The plight of the remaining captives was highlighted in a statement by their relatives, who urged world leaders and the international community to use their influence to secure their release. Hamas, in its own statement, indicated that it is cooperating with mediators to address the hostage situation, depending on security circumstances. The group also reaffirmed its commitment to mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and other countries.
Israel’s military spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, confirmed that efforts are ongoing to secure the return of hostages and locate missing individuals. The goals of Israel remain unchanged, with the focus on waging war against Hamas. A potential ground assault by Israel may result in increased casualties on both sides, particularly in urban areas. The conflict has already claimed the lives of over 1,400 people in Israel, mostly civilians killed during the Hamas incursion. In Gaza, more than 4,100 people have died, including an unspecified number in a recent hospital explosion.
Addressing lawmakers on Israel’s long-term plans for Gaza, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant outlined a three-stage approach. The first stage involves airstrikes and potential maneuvering to eliminate Hamas. The second stage entails a lower intensity fight to defeat remaining resistance pockets. Finally, a new security regime will be established in Gaza, along with the removal of Israel’s responsibility for the region’s well-being. Details regarding who would govern Gaza after Hamas and the specifics of the new security regime were not provided.
The situation in Gaza has deteriorated rapidly, leading to a worsening humanitarian crisis. The closure of the border and lack of supplies have affected over a million people, resulting in displacement and dire living conditions. Gaza’s hospitals are overwhelmed, with limited resources and difficulty in treating victims of the Israeli strikes. The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported a threat from the Israeli military to bomb Al-Quds Hospital, which houses hundreds of patients and displaced civilians seeking refuge. Efforts are underway to repair the Rafah crossing with Egypt, but disagreements persist on the manner of aid delivery.
The violence in Gaza has also sparked protests in the region, including Arab countries that are traditionally aligned with the U.S. Israeli strikes continue to target militants in the West Bank, leading to clashes that have resulted in Palestinian casualties. With tensions escalating, the international community faces the challenge of de-escalating the crisis and restoring peace in the region.
