Father's tears of joy as daughter freed by Hamas

THE family of freed Hamas hostages Judith and Natalie Raanan have told of their joy at the unexpected release of the American mum and daughter.

- Mike Parker

Judith's ex-husband and 17-year-old Natalie's father, Uri, tearfully described how he learned they had been freed in a phone call from the White House.

"The worst two weeks of my life just turned into the best day I've ever had," he said.

Uri, 71, said he had also spoken to Natalie, and declared: "She's doing very good. I'm in tears."