DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel conducted its largest hostage rescue operation since the recent conflict with Hamas began on Saturday, successfully rescuing four individuals from central Gaza amidst heavy air and ground attacks by the military. A total of 210 Palestinians, including children, were reported dead and taken to local hospitals, according to a health official.
The Israeli army successfully freed Noa Argamani, 26; Almog Meir Jan, 22; Andrey Kozlov, 27; and Shlomi Ziv, 41, in a daring operation in Nuseirat. The hostages were rescued while under fire in a daytime operation that involved raiding two locations simultaneously. The military confirmed that all four hostages were in good health and they were flown by helicopter for medical evaluation and emotional reunions with their families after being held captive for 246 days.
Argamani, who was taken from a music festival, had become one of the most recognizable hostages during her captivity. Her abduction video captured her screaming for help as she was taken on a motorcycle. Her mother, Liora, who is battling brain cancer, had made emotional appeals to see her daughter again. Argamani was later taken to the hospital where her mother is receiving treatment. In a message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, she expressed her excitement at being rescued and hearing Hebrew again after a long time.
Netanyahu pledged to continue the rescue efforts until all hostages are freed, describing the operation as daring and well-executed. The Israeli aircraft was active overhead as the bodies of 109 Palestinians, including 23 children and 11 women, were taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. In total, 210 deceased individuals were brought to Al-Aqsa and Al-Awda Hospitals, according to Khalil Degran, a spokesperson.
Amidst the chaos and devastation in Nuseirat and Deir al-Balah, with armored vehicles passing by and smoke rising, witnesses recounted the tragic scenes of innocent lives lost. International condemnation mounted against Israel’s actions, especially the targeting of civilian areas.
The hostage rescue operation was a joint effort involving U.S. support, with a U.S. hostage cell providing guidance throughout the mission. Hamas had taken around 250 hostages during the initial attack in October, with several being released in previous cease-fires. The latest rescue operation brought the total number of freed hostages to seven, with more remaining in captivity yet to be rescued.
As the conflict in Gaza enters its eighth month, calls for a cease-fire and international pressure on Israel to limit civilian casualties continue to escalate. The situation remains tense as efforts for a peaceful resolution are ongoing, with the hope of securing the release of all remaining hostages and providing relief to civilians caught in the crossfire.
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