Rishi Sunak has joined Joe Biden in welcoming the release of two US hostages from Gaza.

“I welcome the release of two US hostages in Gaza and thank Qatar for their leadership on this issue,” he said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

“I discussed efforts to free hostages with Amir Tamim Bin Hamad
today and we will continue to work tirelessly with Qatar, Israel and others to ensure all hostages come home safely”

Seven British nationals are currently missing following Hamas’s attack on Israel on 7 October – though it is not clear whether they are being held hostage.

Israel shares first image of US hostages released from Gaza

The Israeli government has shared the first picture of the two freed US hostages following their release from Gaza.

Judith and Natalie Raanan were allowed to leave today – having been taken hostage by militants on 7 October (see post 17.51).

The picture shows the pair, surrounded by armed Israeli soldiers.