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ON SAFE GROUND
Moment mum Judith Raanan & teen daughter Natalie set foot in Israel again 2 WEEKS after they were taken hostage by Hamas
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A MUM and daughter held hostage by the Hamas have been snapped walking free after two weeks in the terrorists' grips.
Judith Raanan and her teenage daughter Natalie have been named as the US women today released as fears grew around a full-scale invasion.
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The mother daughter duo - understood to be around 60 and 17 respectively - were believed to have travelled from Chicago to Nahal Oz kibbutz in Israel for a family member's birthday when the horror attacks began on October 7.
A photo released last night showed the moment they were escorted back across the border by troops.
The pair's release comes as tens of thousands of Israeli soldiers wait on the Gaza Strip border after their defence boss vowed they would soon see "inside".
Today marks 14 days since Hamas gunmen caught Israel off guard as they stormed out of the Gaza Strip.
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The horror massacre, and Israel's defence, has cost thousands their lives and seen thousands more injured.
It's also feared hostages could be held in Hamas' mysterious 311-mile maze of tunnels riddled with deadly traps.
And yesterday a Hamas spokesman said two US hostages had been freed for "humanitarian reasons".
It was confirmed they were Judith and Natalie in the hours that followed.
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The terrorist organisation's armed wing's spokesman Abu Ubaida yesterday afternoon added the release was "to prove to the American people and the world that the allegations of Biden and his fascist administration are false allegations that have no basis in truth."
Natalie and Judith are now receiving medical treatment, the governor of Illinois said, without providing details of their condition.
It comes as:
- Brits were told by the Foreign Office to immediately get out of Lebanon as protests broke out over the war in Israel
- Israeli soldiers patrolling kibbutz villages still find Hamas terrorists hiding out near massacre sites
- Autistic Harry Potter fan Noya Dan, was burned by Hamas savages in massacre after texting ‘Mummy, I’m scared’
- A nine-year-old footie fan will spend his birthday in the grips of Hamas terrorists after being kidnapped with his mum
- Locals told how Hamas butchers turned their village into a ghost town after they burned families out of homes and slaughtered them
- A dad has been confirmed as the ninth Brit murdered by Hamas terrorists
- PM Rishi Sunak vowed to "stand" with Israel as it faces its "darkest hour" during two-day visit
US President Joe Biden said he was "overjoyed" by the news of the women's release.
He said: "Our fellow citizens have endured a terrible ordeal these past 14 days, and I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear.
"As I told those families [of the hostages] when I spoke with them last week - we will not 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 he was "annoyed" because she still "looked like a supermodel" despite her ordeal.
"I spoke with my daughter earlier today - she sounds good, and she looks good," Natalie's dad, Uri, told a press conference outside his home.
The 71-year-old added that he did not discuss with his daughter where she was held or her conditions in captivity.
"She did not tell me anything. But she told me they treat her nice, and she was doing very good.
"I'm going to hug her and kiss her, and it's going to be the best day of my life."
"I spoke with President Biden. I thanked him for his concern, in releasing them. He was very nice.
"And hopefully I will see them next week. Next week is Natalie's birthday, and we will celebrate it here."
The dad and husband said he first learnt of the possible release through Israeli television, and later received a call from the IDF.
Uri described the last 13 days as "the worst situation," adding that he had been kept in the dark by their captors.
"I did not sleep at night and my head was always in Israel," he said.
"Lots of phone calls, lots of TV. I've been glued to the TV for two weeks, hoping for good news - and finally it came."
He added: "I did not lose hope. Praying, and just waiting for this moment."
Rishi Sunak said he was also pleased to hear the news of Judith and Natalie's return.
The PM said: "I welcome the release of two US hostages in Gaza and thank Qatar for their leadership on this issue.
"I discussed efforts to free hostages with Amir Tamim Bin Hamad
today and we will continue to work tirelessly with Qatar, Israel and others to ensure all hostages come home safely."
Discussions are "ongoing" for the release of further hostages from Gaza, a source close to the negotiations told news agency Reuters.
The women's release came as a Palestinian humanitarian organisation said it had been warned by Israeli forces to evacuate Al Quds hospital in Gaza "immediately".
Israeli tanks amassed near the border early yesterday morning, amid fears of a looming full-scale ground invasion.
Increased military activity has been reported in the area with footage showing tanks on the move near Gaza.
Brigadier General Daniel Hagari also this afternoon said the Israeli Defence Force is "gearing up for the next stage of this war".
Israel's defence chief Yoav Gallant yesterday told troops they will soon see Gaza "from the inside."
The minister wished the men luck as he said "there is no forgiveness" for the Hamas' horror attack.
Gallant's words came as Economy Minister Nir Barakat told the Israeli military has been given the "green light" to move into Gaza whenever it's ready.
IDF spokesman Lt. Colonel Jonathan Conricus told CNN: "The reserves are ready, equipped, mission-oriented, and standing by for the next stage of our operations.
"But at this time, of course, we will not advertise when, where, and how we will advance or do or enhance 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.
At least nine Brits have so far been confirmed dead following Hamas' brutal attacks.
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The latest confirmation was Manchester United fan Yonatan Rapoport - who was killed in an attack on the kibbutz Be’eri.
A further eight Brits remain missing, according to the UK government.
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