Overview

• Hamas released two American hostages, Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie, on 'humanitarian' grounds. The mother-daughter duo had been visiting Israel for a relative's birthday when they were captured during a Hamas raid on a kibbutz.
• Activist Shaun King claimed that he was instrumental in the release of the hostages, stating the Raanan family were supporters of his and that he had been working behind the scenes with the Qatari government and others.
• King’s claim is met with skepticism and controversy, both by social media users and journalists. Many questioned his credibility and suggested King was exploiting the situation for personal gain.
• Israeli journalist Yuna Leizbon reported that the Raanan family stated they had no idea who King was and only learned of him through his posts following their release.
• In response to the doubts on his involvement, King insisted he had direct and repeated conversations with the Raanan family over phone, text, and direct message. He speculates that the Israeli government is pressuring the family to deny knowing him.