RAFAH, Gaza Strip – Israeli forces successfully rescued two hostages in a daring raid in the Gaza Strip early Monday, providing a symbolic victory for Israel but at a heavy cost to Palestinian civilians. The raid, which resulted in the deaths of at least 67 Palestinians, including women and children, highlighted the ongoing toll of the Israel-Hamas war in the region.
The rescue operation, which culminated in the extraction of the hostages from a heavily guarded apartment in Rafah, involved heavy airstrikes that pounded the surrounding area. The operation was celebrated as a significant success for Israel, as more than 100 captives are still held by Hamas and other Gaza militants. However, in Gaza, the raid prompted yet another wartime tragedy, further exacerbating the suffering of civilians.
Since the war began on October 7, the toll on Palestinian civilians has been staggering, with more than 12,300 Palestinian minors killed, constituting about 43% of the total number of 28,176 Palestinians killed so far. The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza provided the statistics at the request of The Associated Press, indicating that women also accounted for about 8,400 of those killed.
The rescue of the hostages has become a top priority for the Israeli government, alongside the objective of dismantling Hamas’ military and governing capabilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that persistent military pressure is the key to securing the release of all captives. However, there are differing opinions within Israel about the best approach to end the captive’s ordeal, with some officials advocating for a negotiated deal with Hamas.
The rescued hostages, Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70, were abducted by Hamas militants during a cross-border attack that triggered the war. They were among the roughly 250 people taken captive during the attack, and their extraction marks a significant but small step towards freeing the remaining hostages.
The dramatic raid involved special forces breaking into the apartment under fire, aided by airstrikes on surrounding areas. The hostages, who were being guarded by armed Hamas militants, were shielded by members of the rescue team as a heavy battle erupted in several places at once with Hamas gunmen. The hostages were quickly airlifted to a medical center in central Israel, where they were reported to be in good condition.
The airstrikes that supported the Israeli forces resulted in the deaths of at least 67 people, with rescuers still searching the rubble for survivors. Footage from the aftermath of the airstrikes showed dead or wounded children, emphasizing the devastating impact on civilians.
The Israeli government has described Rafah as the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza and signaled that its ground offensive may soon target the densely populated city. However, President Joe Biden warned Netanyahu against conducting a military operation in Rafah without a credible plan to protect civilians.
Amidst ongoing discussions about a potential ceasefire agreement, as well as concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Rafah, the situation remains tense and uncertain. Gaps in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, as well as external pressures from Egypt and the United States, add further complexity to the conflict. The fate of the remaining hostages held by Hamas is intertwined with broader geopolitical and humanitarian concerns, highlighting the challenges of resolving the Israel-Hamas war.
