Human Rights Watch Statement on Release of 2 Hostages Held in Gaza

(Jerusalem) – On October 21, 2023, the military wing of Hamas released two of the more than 200 hostages being held in Gaza. 

Tirana Hassan, executive director of Human Rights Watch, said:  “The nightmare is finally over for Judith and Natalie Raanan, after 13 days of unlawful captivity in Gaza. But it continues for so many others still being held. Hamas and Islamic Jihad should immediately and unconditionally release all detained civilians.”

Hamas and Islamic Jihad took hostage more than 200 people from Israel on October 7, including children. The taking of hostages is a war crime under international humanitarian law.