The spokesman for the Al Qasam Brigades, Abu Obeida, announced this Friday the release of two American hostages for “humanitarian reasons”, after mediation by Qatar.
Abu Obeida, whose group is the armed wing of Hamas, said on his Telegram account that the two abductees were mother and daughter.
He stated that they have adopted this gesture to “demonstrate to the American people and the world that the claims made by (US President Joe) Biden and his fascist Administration are false and baseless.”
At the moment, the Israeli authorities have not officially confirmed the release of the two kidnapped women, whom the spokesperson for the Al Qasam Brigades did not identify.
However, a Hamas source told EFE that the hostages are Judith and Natalie Raanan, from Evanston, on the outskirts of Chicago (USA). He
explained that they have coordinated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC, for example). its acronym in English) for the delivery of the two hostages to the organization and that they have ensured that both have reached Israeli soil.
“On our part, it is a clear humanitarian step to demonstrate that our conflict is only with Israel,” she noted.
The relatives of those kidnapped by Hamas, grouped under the umbrella of the so-called “Headquarters of the Forum of the Families of the Hostages and Disappeared”, welcomed in a statement the release of the two women and recalled that the abductions are “a crime of war”.
“Hundreds of families are waiting for help from the leaders of Arab countries after Hamas’ actions left the world shocked,” the note adds, highlighting that “many Arab leaders have tremendous influence” over the Palestinian group and “they must act.” for the immediate release” of those kidnapped and disappeared.
They also urged world leaders and the international community to exercise all their power to achieve the release of the hostages.
TYT Newsroom