Israeli forces rescued two hostages in an early morning raid on Monday, storming a heavily fortified apartment in Gaza's densely populated Rafah. The operation, carried out under fire and amidst covering airstrikes, resulted in at least 67 reported Palestinian casualties, according to the Associated Press (AP).
As per the report, the hostages, held by Hamas, had become a focal point of concern for Israelis, still grappling with the aftermath of the militant group's cross-border raid last year that ignited the ongoing conflict. Rafah, described by Israel as the last remaining Hamas stronghold in the Gaza Strip, is now on the radar for a potential ground offensive.
The rescue operation brought a momentary sense of relief to a nation deeply affected by the hostage crisis. However, it also added to the tragic toll of a conflict that has claimed over 28,000 Palestinians, displaced 80% of the population, and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, AP reported citing official data.
According to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, over 12,300 Palestinian minors, constituting 43% of the total casualties, have lost their lives in the conflict. Additionally, around 8,400 women have been among the casualties. Israel claims to have targeted approximately 10,000 Hamas fighters.
In the October 7 cross-border raid by Hamas, an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, and 250 were taken captive. Despite the release of dozens of hostages during a November ceasefire, approximately 100 hostages are believed to remain in Hamas captivity.
The AP report said that the government's primary objectives in the conflict include freeing the hostages and dismantling Hamas' military and governing capabilities. However, internal divisions in Israel have surfaced regarding the strategy to achieve these goals. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted continued military pressure, while families of the hostages and their supporters call for diplomatic negotiations with Hamas, the report added.
The recent airstrikes on Rafah occurred during the night, causing numerous explosions. The Health Ministry reported at least 67 casualties, including women and children, with rescue efforts ongoing. Social media footage from Rafah's Kuwaiti hospital depicted scenes of dead or wounded children, consistent with AP reporting but not immediately verified.
According to the report, Prime Minister Netanyahu contended that sending ground troops into Rafah is crucial to achieving Israel's war objectives. The White House, however, disclosed that President Joe Biden cautioned Netanyahu against a military operation in Rafah without a "credible and executable" plan to safeguard civilians.