Biden speaks with Americans released by Hamas, says they will have ‘full support’ of government

President Biden spoke by phone Friday with two Americans who were released by Hamas after being taken hostage during the recent attacks against Israel.

The White House said Biden spoke with Judith Raanan and her daughter, 18-year-old Natalie Raanan. He also spoke by phone with the family of the two women following their release.

“He relayed that they will have the full support of the U.S. government as they recover from this terrible ordeal,” the White House said.

Judith and Natalie Raanan were among the Americans taken hostage by Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, during terrorist attacks against Israel on Oct. 7 that left more than 1,400 Israelis dead. Thousands of Palestinians have been killed or injured during subsequent Israeli strikes on Gaza.

More than two dozen Americans have been killed in the conflict. There are 10 Americans who remain unaccounted for after Hamas’s initial attack, while the terror group is believed to be holding 200 people hostage.

Biden said Qatar and Israel secured the release of the Americans on Friday, adding that U.S. officials “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.”