"Former IDF Colonel: Ground Incursion into Gaza Necessary to Secure Release of American Hostages"

Hamas has released two American hostages, Judith and Natalie Raanan, who were abducted during the group's raid on Israel earlier this month. The mother and daughter were freed for "humanitarian reasons" and were received by Israeli officials at the Gaza border. This is the first release of captives since the raid, which resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people and the taking of around 200 hostages. The US government has been working to secure the release of American citizens held by Hamas, and President Joe Biden expressed his joy at the news of the Raanans' release.