Israeli forces rescued four hostages from Gaza in an operation causing significant casualties, including 210 deaths.
The Israeli military successfully rescued four hostages during a special operation in the Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza, which resulted in significant casualties. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv were freed from two separate locations in Nuseirat. All four had been kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7.
The operation, conducted by the Israeli military, intelligence, and special forces, confirmed that the hostages are in good medical condition and have been transported to Sheba Medical Center in Tel-HaShomer for further examinations. However, the operation came at a cost; an Israeli policeman from a special counter-terrorism unit was killed.
The rescue operation led to heavy shelling and artillery fire in Nuseirat and other areas of central Gaza, resulting in at least 210 deaths and over 400 injuries, according to the Government Media Office in Gaza. Casualties were taken to Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat and Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah. Local residents described the scene as catastrophic, with reports of children being severely injured and bodies scattered in the streets. Abu Abdallah, a local, recounted the harrowing experience of retrieving bodies amidst the chaos, highlighting the severe impact on civilians.
The Hamas organization condemned the operation, labeling it a “heinous crime” and accusing the Israeli military of committing a massacre against innocent civilians. The IDF has defended its actions, emphasizing the importance of rescuing the hostages.
This rescue marks only the third successful hostage operation of its kind. Previously, IDF Corporal Ori Megidish was rescued in October last year from the northern Gaza Strip, and on February 12 this year, Fernando Marman and Louis Har were freed from southern Rafah.
As the conflict continues, the toll on civilian life and the broader humanitarian implications remain a profound concern for both local and international observers. The rescue operation, while a significant tactical success for Israel, has underscored the deepening crisis in Gaza, where civilians are caught in the crossfire of ongoing hostilities.