Israel-Hamas War Live Updates: Israel says 203 people were abducted by Hamas
Israel-Hamas War Live Updates:
Hamas fighters have released two US citizens among some 200 hostages they took in the October 7 attacks in Israel. Judith Tai Raanan and her daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan were back in Israel late Friday, the Israeli government said.
The Hamas group also said it was working with Qatar and Egypt to free its “civilian” hostages, in a sign that they would release more people soon.
US President Joe Biden said he was “overjoyed” after Hamas released two American hostages. The White House said that Mr Biden spoke by phone to the two women after they were freed and promised they would have the government’s support “as they recover from this terrible ordeal”.
“Today, we have secured the release of two Americans taken hostage by Hamas during the horrific terrorist assault against Israel on October 7,” Mr Biden said in a statement.
Israel says 203 people including Israelis, dual nationals, and foreigners were kidnapped by Hamas when they launched the deadliest attacks. At least 1,400 people were killed, mostly civilians, according to the government.
Israel has responded by bombing the Gaza Strip which has left more than 4,100 people dead, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas administration.
Here are the live updates on the Israel-Hamas war:
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US President Joe Biden on Friday said that he believes Hamas’ attack on Israel was aimed at disrupting warming ties between the country and Saudi Arabia.
“One of the reasons why they acted like they did … why Hamas moved on Israel … (was) because they knew I was about to sit down with the Saudis,” he told guests at a campaign fundraiser.
“The Saudis wanted to recognize Israel… unite the Middle East,” he said.
Former US Representative Justin Amash on Friday said that several of his relatives had been killed when a Greek Orthodox church in the Gaza Strip was hit by an Israeli air strike.
“Our family is hurting badly,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“May God watch over all Christians in Gaza – and all Israelis and Palestinians who are suffering, whatever their religion or creed,” he added.
Palestinian officials said at least 500 Muslims and Christians had taken shelter from Israeli bombardments in the Greek Orthodox Church of St Porphyrius.
The Hamas-run government’s health ministry claimed 16 were killed.
President Joe Biden on Friday spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and reaffirmed US support for Israel’s defense.
During his phone call, Mr Biden said he also underscored the importance of operating consistent with the law of war, discussed moving humanitarian aid into Gaza, and ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas.
This morning, I spoke with @IsraeliPM and reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel’s defense, underscored the importance of operating consistent with the law of war, discussed moving humanitarian aid into Gaza, and ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas. pic.twitter.com/5iAOLbMPu7
– President Biden (@POTUS) October 20, 2023
US President Joe Biden has said he was “overjoyed” after Hamas released two American hostages. He also spoke by phone to the two women after they were freed.
“Today, we have secured the release of two Americans taken hostage by Hamas during the horrific terrorist assault against Israel on October 7,” Mr Biden said in a statement.
I just spoke with the two Americans released today after being held hostage by Hamas. I let them know that their government will fully support them as they recover and heal.
Jill and I will continue holding close in our hearts all the families of unaccounted for Americans. pic.twitter.com/oXk6gfrD8M
– President Biden (@POTUS) October 20, 2023
Hamas group has said it was working with Qatar and Egypt to free its “civilian” hostages, in a sign that they would release more people soon.
According to Israel, 203 people including Israelis, dual nationals and foreigners were kidnapped by Hamas when they launched the deadliest attacks on October 7.
Hamas has released two US citizens among some 200 hostages they took in October 7 attacks in Israel. Judith Tai Raanan and her daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan were back in Israel late Friday, the Israeli government said.
They were met at the Gaza border by an Israeli envoy and taken to a military base in central Israel.