Israel has announced the successful rescue of four hostages from a Gaza refugee camp in a mission that resulted in 210 Palestinians dead and hundreds injured, according to the Hamas-run government media office.
The Israeli military confirmed that the hostages, who were in “good medical condition,” had been abducted during the Nova music festival attack by Hamas on October 7, which ignited the ongoing nine-month war.
On the same day, humanitarian aid began to flow back into the devastated Gaza Strip through a temporary pier rebuilt by the US military, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
CENTCOM reported that approximately 492 tonnes (1.1 million pounds) of much-needed humanitarian assistance was delivered through the pier on Saturday morning, insisting that it was unrelated to the hostage rescue operation conducted by Israel.
The hostages, identified as Noa Argamani, 26, Almog Meir Jan, 22, Andrey Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 41, were rescued in a complex mission, as per the Israeli military. Footage and images were released showing the extraction of the hostages by helicopter, followed by emotional reunions with their families at a Tel Aviv hospital.
The operation resulted in intense bombardment and gunfire in Nuseirat, where the hostages were held. The rescued individuals are among the seven hostages freed by Israeli forces since the Gaza militants seized 251 people in the October attack. Currently, 116 hostages remain in Gaza, including 41 confirmed deceased by the military.
– ‘Horror must stop’ –
Upon hearing the news of the hostages’ rescue, Israel celebrated while concerns for the remaining hostages led to a gathering in Tel Aviv, demanding an end to the ongoing war.
An AFP photographer near Nuseirat witnessed Palestinians fleeing for safety amidst fears of further Israeli strikes.
Following the operation, the streets were filled with rubble and debris. The Hamas media office reported the casualties from the Israeli occupation’s attack on Nuseirat camp rising to 210 dead and over 400 wounded.
Amidst the conflict, UNRWA condemned Israel for the strike on the Nuseirat school, which resulted in the deaths of 37 people. Israel accused Hamas of using civilian infrastructure for military purposes, which the militants deny.
The war has devastated Gaza, with a high number of casualties and extensive displacement. Aid organizations and the United Nations have accused Israel of obstructing the entry of essential supplies into Gaza.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an end to the horror unfolding in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire.
– Ceasefire ‘essential’ –
US President Joe Biden reaffirmed his support for a ceasefire while welcoming the news of the rescue of the Israeli hostages.
As diplomatic pressure mounts on Israel, with accusations of war crimes and international recognition of a Palestinian state, efforts for a ceasefire and peace negotiations continue amidst the ongoing conflict.
Despite the challenges, calls for peace and humanitarian aid persist as the region grapples with the devastating impact of the war.
