Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2023

October 20, 2023

Today we have secured the release of two Americans taken hostage by Hamas during the horrific terrorist assault against Israel on October 7. 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. These individuals and their family will have the full support of the United States Government as they recover and heal, and we should all respect their privacy in this moment.

From the earliest moments of this attack, we have been working around the clock to free American citizens who were taken hostage by Hamas, and we have not ceased our efforts to secure the release of those who are still being held. I thank the Government of Qatar and the Government of Israel for their partnership in this work. Jill and I have been holding close in our hearts all the families of unaccounted for Americans. And, as I told those families 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.

NOTE: The statement referred to Evanston, IL, residents Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie Raanan.

Categories: Statements by the President : U.S. citizens taken hostage by Hamas in Gaza, Palestinian Territories, securing release.

Names: Biden, Jill T.; Raanan, Judith; Ranaan, Natalie.

Subjects: Gaza, U.S. and Israeli hostages; Hamas political-paramilitary organization; Israel, attacks by Hamas; Qatar, role in release of hostages held by Hamas.

DCPD Number: DCPD202300920.

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