Two American hostages released from Gaza, Fox News is told

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Fox News has independently confirmed that two American nationals held captive by Hamas have been released. 

A source with knowledge of the release confirmed to Fox News that the two American hostages, a mother and her daughter, were released "on humanitarian grounds" following Qatari mediation efforts.

They were identified as Judith and Natalie Raanan, who originally were taken by Hamas from the Nahal Oz kibbutz in southern Israel near the Gaza Strip.

"In response to Qatari efforts, Al-Qassam Brigades released two American citizens (a mother and her daughter) for humanitarian reasons, and to prove to the American people and the world that the claims made by Biden and his fascist administration are false and baseless," Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obaida also said Friday. The Al-Qassam Brigades is the armed wing of Hamas.

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Brigadier General Gal Hirsch seen with Judith and Natalie Raanan. (Fox News)

In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family, Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, are seen after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Both were freed after being held hostage by Hamas. (Raanan Family via AP)

A source tells Fox News the hostages are now in the care of the Red Cross.

As of Friday morning, there were 11 Americans unaccounted for since Hamas launched its war against Israel on Oct. 7. 

Palestinian people carry out search and rescue operations as Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza on Friday. (Doaa Albaz/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The Israeli military said Thursday there are 203 Israeli hostages taken by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

President Biden, speaking Wednesday in Israel, said, "There's no higher priority than the release and safe return of all these hostages" captured by Hamas.

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel on Friday. (AP/Francisco Seco)

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"To those who are living in limbo, waiting desperately to learn the fate of a loved one, especially to families of the hostages — you're not alone. We're working with partners throughout the region, pursuing every avenue to bring home those who are being held captive by Hamas," Biden said.