A MOTHER and daughter held hostage by Hamas have been caught walking free after two weeks in the hands of terrorists.
Judith Raanan and her teenage daughter Natalie were named America’s Women Freed today as fears of a major invasion grew.
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Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie were named as the two hostages released by Hamas yesterdayCredit: AP
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This is the moment the couple returned across the Israeli border last nightCredit: Twitter/@usembassyjlm
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Natalie Raanan and her mother, Judith, are seen talking to Joe Biden, in a photo released Friday night by the U.S. Embassy in Israel
The mother and daughter – believed to be around 60 and 17 respectively – are believed to have traveled from Chicago to Kibbutz Nahal Oz in Israel for a family member’s birthday when the horror attacks began on October 7.
A photo released last night shows the moment soldiers escorted them back across the border.
The release of the two comes as tens of thousands of Israeli troops wait at the border of the Gaza Strip after their defense chief promised to see “inside” soon.
Today marks 14 days since Hamas attackers caught Israel off guard as they stormed out of the Gaza Strip.
The horrific massacre and Israel’s defense cost thousands of lives and injured thousands.
It is also feared that the hostages may be held in Hamas’s mysterious 311-mile maze of tunnels riddled with deadly traps.
And yesterday, a Hamas spokesman said the two American hostages were released for “humanitarian reasons.”
In the hours that followed, it was confirmed that they were Judith and Natalie.
The spokesman for the armed wing of the terrorist organization Abu Ubaida added yesterday afternoon that the announcement “is to prove to the American people and the world that the accusations of Biden and his fascist administration are false claims that have no basis in truth.”
Natalie and Judith are now receiving treatment, the Illinois governor said, without elaborating on their condition.
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US President Joe Biden said he was “overjoyed” by the news of the women’s release.
He said: “Our fellow citizens have been through a terrible ordeal these 14 days and I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their fear-stricken family.
“As I told those families [of the hostages] when I spoke to them last week – we won’t stop until we get their loved ones home.
“As president, I have no higher priority than the safety of Americans held hostage around the world.”
Natalie’s brother, Ben, joked that he was “annoyed” that she still “looked like a supermodel” despite her ordeal.
“I spoke to my daughter earlier today – she sounds good and looks good,” Natalie’s dad, Uri, said at a news conference outside his home.
The 71-year-old added that he did not talk to his daughter about where she was kept or about her conditions in captivity.
“She didn’t say anything to me, but she told me that they were treating her nicely and that she was doing very well.
– I will hug and kiss her and it will be the best day of my life.
“I talked to President Biden. I thanked him for his concern, for letting them go. He was very nice.
“And I hope to see them next week. Next week is Natalie’s birthday and we’re going to celebrate it here.”
The father and husband said that he first learned about the possible release through Israeli television, and later received a call from the IDF.
Uri described the past 13 days as “the worst situation,” adding that his captors had kept him in the dark.
“I didn’t sleep at night and my head was always in Israel,” he said.
“Lots of phone calls, lots of TV. I was glued to the TV for two weeks, hoping for good news – and it finally came.”
He added: “I didn’t lose hope. I prayed and just waited for this moment.”
Rishi Sunak said he was also glad to hear the news of Judith and Natalie’s return.
The prime minister said: “I welcome the release of the two American hostages in Gaza and thank Qatar for its leadership on this matter.
“Today I discussed the hostage release efforts with Amir Tamim Bin Hamad and we will continue to work tirelessly with Qatar, Israel and others to ensure that all hostages return home safely.”
Discussions are “ongoing” to release further hostages from Gaza, a source close to the negotiations told the Reuters news agency.
The women’s release came after a Palestinian aid organization said it had been warned by Israeli forces to evacuate Al Quds Hospital in Gaza “immediately”.
Israeli tanks massed near the border early yesterday morning amid fears of an imminent full-scale ground invasion.
Increased military activity has been reported in the area with footage showing tanks in motion near Gaza.
Brigadier General Daniel Hagari also said this afternoon that the Israel Defense Forces are “preparing for the next phase of this war.”
Israeli Defense Chief Yoav Gallant told soldiers yesterday that they would soon see Gaza “from the inside”.
The minister wished the people luck, saying there was “no forgiveness” for the horrific attacks by Hamas.
Gallant’s words came after Economy Minister Nir Barakat told ABC News that the Israeli military had been given the “green light” to move into Gaza whenever it was ready.
IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus told CNN: “The reserves are ready, equipped, mission-oriented and ready for the next phase of our operations.
“But at this point, of course, we’re not going to announce when, where or how we’re going to advance or do or step up our military activities.”
Israeli authorities say at least 1,400 people have died in Israel, while another 3,785 people have died in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
So far, at least nine Britons have been confirmed killed following brutal attacks by Hamas.
The latest confirmation was Manchester United fan Yonatan Rapoport – who was killed in the attack on Kibbutz Be’eri.
An additional eight Britons are still missing, according to the British government.
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Natalie’s dad, Uri Raanan, smiled as he spoke to reporters outside his home in Illinois
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Natalie and her mum are thought to have traveled to Israel for a birthday party before they were caughtCredit: ABC 7
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Judith and Natalie are said to be from ChicagoCredit: ABC 7
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Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told soldiers that they would soon ‘see Gaza from the inside’Credit: Getty
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Their release comes after tanks were seen gathered near the border with the Gaza StripCredit: Reuters
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Israeli troops on the border before a ground invasionCredit: EPA
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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met with combat soldiers on the Gaza borderCredit: Avalon.red
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Smoke can be seen billowing in the sky above the southern Israeli city of SderotCredit: AFP
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Israeli tanks near the border early Friday morningCredit: Reuters
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Tens of thousands of Israeli soldiers are said to be waiting at the borderCredit: Reuters
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