RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli forces conducted a daring rescue mission in the densely populated town of Rafah, Gaza Strip, early Monday, freeing two hostages while engaging in combat with Hamas militants. The rescue lifted Israeli spirits but came with a heavy toll, as at least 67 Palestinians were killed in the operation, mainly in airstrikes, according to local officials.
The rescue in Rafah offered a glimmer of hope in the midst of the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis that has gripped Gaza. The war has taken a devastating toll, with over 28,000 Palestinians killed and a staggering 80% of the population displaced. The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reported that over 12,300 Palestinian minors have been killed in the conflict, representing about 43% of the overall death toll, while approximately 8,400 women have also lost their lives.
Hamas’ cross-border raid on Oct. 7 resulted in an estimated 1,200 civilian deaths, with militants taking 250 people captive, as reported by Israeli authorities. Despite the rescue of two hostages in November, around 100 hostages remain captive in the hands of Hamas. The Israeli government has made freeing the hostages a top priority, alongside the destruction of Hamas’ military and governing capabilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains committed to exerting military pressure to secure the freedom of the remaining captives, despite calls from families and supporters to negotiate a deal with Hamas. The recent rescue operation involved a dramatic raid by Israeli special forces, culminating in the extraction of Fernando Simon Marman and Louis Har, who were abducted by Hamas militants on Oct. 7.
The successful rescue marks a small victory for Israel but underscores the challenges it faces in securing the release of the remaining hostages. Additionally, the airstrikes in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s population is now crammed, have sparked concerns about the potential for a broader military operation. President Joe Biden has cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu against a military operation in Rafah without a credible plan to protect civilians.
Discussions for a cease-fire agreement and negotiations for the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas are reportedly ongoing, with significant diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a resolution to the conflict. The situation remains highly volatile, with potential repercussions for the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.