Israel has announced that its forces successfully rescued four hostages from a Gaza refugee camp in an operation that resulted in 210 Palestinians dead and hundreds wounded, according to the Hamas-run government media office.
The Israeli military revealed that the four hostages, who were found in good health, had been abducted during the Nova music festival attack by Hamas on October 7, sparking a nine-month-long war.
The same day, aid began to flow back into Gaza through a temporary pier that had been rebuilt, as reported by the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
The pier, constructed by the US military to facilitate the delivery of essential relief supplies, had been briefly operational before sustaining storm damage in May. It was repaired and reopened on Friday.
CENTCOM stated that about 492 tonnes (1.1 million pounds) of critical humanitarian aid were delivered through the pier on Saturday morning, emphasizing that this operation was not related to Israel’s hostage rescue mission.
The Israeli military confirmed the successful extraction of Noa Argamani, 26, Almog Meir Jan, 22, Andrey Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 41, in a complex operation. Footage and images were released showing them being airlifted by helicopter and reuniting with their families at a Tel Aviv hospital.
Residents in Nuseirat, where the hostages were held, described intense bombardment and heavy gunfire during the rescue operation.
These four hostages are part of the seven that Israeli forces have managed to free alive since the October attack, leaving 116 hostages still in Gaza, including 41 that the army presumes to be deceased.
– ‘Horror must stop’ –
The news of the rescued hostages was met with jubilation in Israel, while concerns over the remaining hostages prompted thousands to gather in Tel Aviv demanding an end to the long-lasting conflict.
Michael Levy, whose brother Or is still held captive, expressed doubts about the possibility of rescuing all hostages through military operations.
Near Nuseirat, Palestinians sought cover in fear of further Israeli assaults, as reports of gun battles and shelling emerged.
Following the operation, the streets were filled with rubble and debris from the conflict.
The Hamas media office reported that the number of victims from the Israeli occupation in Nuseirat had increased to 210 dead and over 400 wounded.
Israeli police confirmed that an officer was fatally injured during the rescue operation.
Khalil Al-Tahrawi, a resident of Nuseirat, recounted the sounds of warplanes and bombings during the operation.
Days before the rescue mission, an Israeli strike targeted the Nuseirat school run by UNRWA, resulting in casualties, according to a Gaza hospital. UNRWA condemned the attack, emphasizing the school’s role in sheltering displaced individuals.
The conflict has caused widespread devastation in Gaza, with a high number of casualties and displacement. Aid groups and the United Nations have accused Israel of hindering the entry of essential supplies into Gaza.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for an end to the horror of the conflict, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire.
– Ceasefire ‘essential’ –
US President Joe Biden reiterated his call for a ceasefire while commending the release of the Israeli hostages.
In Paris, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Biden emphasized the importance of achieving a ceasefire and bringing all hostages home.
Israel is facing increasing international pressure due to allegations of war crimes, with several European countries recognizing a Palestinian state.
Demonstrations and protests have taken place in various countries, calling for a ceasefire and expressing solidarity with Gaza.
Efforts to mediate a ceasefire have encountered obstacles, with Hamas insisting on a permanent truce and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure to end the conflict, with threats of resignations from within his government.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Hamas to accept the ceasefire proposal outlined by Biden, as he prepares to visit key regional partners in the coming days.
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