GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – At least 37 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israeli airstrikes on the southern city of Rafah, according to health officials in Gaza. The strikes came as the Israeli military conducted a special forces raid to free hostages in the city.
The raid resulted in the liberation of two hostages, Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70, who were taken from a kibbutz in a previous attack by Hamas. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the hostages were in good condition after being taken to Sheba Hospital in central Israel.
The airstrikes and special forces raid have heightened tensions between Israel and Hamas, with the latter accusing Israel of waging a “genocidal war” against the Palestinian people. The situation has prompted international concern, with US President Joe Biden urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure the safety of the one million people sheltering in Rafah.
Despite warnings from aid agencies and the international community, Netanyahu has expressed determination to continue Israel’s military operation against Hamas. This has led to fears of a ground offensive on Rafah, the last major population center in Gaza that has not yet been entered by Israeli troops.
The ongoing conflict, now in its fifth month, was sparked by a major attack by Hamas, resulting in significant casualties and the taking of hostages. The Gaza health ministry reported that over 28,000 Palestinians had been killed and 67,000 injured in Israeli strikes since the beginning of the conflict.
As tensions escalate, concerns mount over the safety and well-being of civilians in the region. International leaders and organizations are calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict to prevent further loss of life and to ensure the safety of the civilian population.