NBC correspondent Martin Fletcher, a veteran reporter on Middle East and Israeli affairs, emotionally disclosed that two family members of his wife are among those taken hostage by Hamas terrorists.
Fletcher made the revelation during an interview with MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle.
Fletcher's voice broke as he said,
"I learned today that two family members of my wife are among those held hostage."
He identified the hostages as Judith Tai Raanan and Natalie Raanan, both Americans from Evanston, Illinois. They were visiting their grandmother in Nahal Oz, a village near the Gaza Strip, to celebrate her 85th birthday when they were taken hostage during a Hamas invasion on October 7.
CNN reports indicate that over 150 people were taken hostage in Nahal Oz. Fletcher stated,
"They were last seen being forcibly taken away by Hamas terrorists with their hands tied. This has become deeply personal for us."
Fletcher expressed skepticism about the hostages' safe return, saying,
"No one is truly confident that their safe return is possible." He criticized Israel's priorities, stating that although Israel claims the hostages are their top concern, their primary objective is to eliminate Hamas leadership.
The situation has complicated Israel's plans to move into Gaza, making it an "unprecedented circumstance," according to Fletcher.
Meanwhile, the US State Department confirmed that at least 13 Americans are unaccounted for, although it remains uncertain how many are held by Hamas.
Watch the interview below
