Hamas announced the release of two American hostages, a mother and her daughter, citing “humanitarian reasons” for their decision. The release comes amidst Qatar’s efforts to counter claims by US President Joe Biden’s administration. While Hamas did not specify the identities of the hostages they released, Israeli officials, as per Hebrew media reports, clarified that Jerusalem did not negotiate or offer any concessions for the hostages’ release. The mother and daughter were subsequently handed over to the International Red Cross in Gaza, from where they are expected to be transferred to Israel via Egypt. Nearly 200 additional hostages – men, women, the elderly, and young children – remain in captivity in the Gaza Strip (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)