Israel Hamas War: A third hand behind release of American hostages by Hamas in Gaza?

95 views | Oct 21, 2023, 01:00:05 PM | TOI.in
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Hamas released two American hostages, and their release was confirmed by US Secretary of State Blinken. However, there are still 10 more Americans unaccounted for in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. A Chicago-area woman and her teenage daughter were reunited with their family in Israel, and their relatives celebrated back home in Illinois. The hostages, including Judith (59) and her daughter Natalie (17), were handed over to Israeli forces at the Gaza Strip border on October 20. This marks the first confirmed release of captives by Hamas since the conflict began on October 7. Their release followed intervention and negotiation by the Qatari government, which also serves as a safe haven for Hamas' top leadership. Despite this release, Hamas has claimed to still hold over 50 captives, but no further details have been provided. Israel's heavy bombardment continued on the 15th day of the war.