More than 200 Palestinians reportedly killed in Israeli operation to free four hostages

2024-06-08 21:17:03Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
More than 200 Palestinians reportedly killed in Israeli operation to free four
Photo ilustruese

During an attack in Gaza on Saturday, Israeli forces rescued four people held hostage by Hamas since October. Palestinian officials say 200 people were killed in Saturday's attack. According to Reuters news agency, it is one of the bloodiest Israeli attacks during the eight-month war.

Hostage rescue operation and intense airstrikes were carried out in central Gaza's Al-Nuseirat, an area of dense construction.

The Associated Press, referring to figures from gaza's Health Ministry, which is controlled by Hamas, reported the killing of at least 94 Palestinians, among them children, as a result of heavy fighting in central Gaza. Associated Press reported that about 100 injured people had been sent to Al-Aqsa Hospital.

Among the dead was a baby. Relatives were seen wailing at the children's lifeless bodies, covered in blood. Troops were laid on the ground outside, hospitalised, barefoot, while scores of injured were seen being swiftly sent for medical assistance.

In the largest operation to free the hostages since the war against Hamas began in Gaza, the Israeli military said it freed Noa Argaman, 25, Almog Meir Janin, 21, Andrey Kozlovin, 27, as well as Shlomi Zivin, 40, in a daytime operation in downtown Al-Nuseirat. All were well, according to the army announcement. They were flown by helicopter for medical checks and reunions with loved ones after being held hostage 246 days.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the fighting will continue until all hostages are freed. A U.S. team specializing in releasing hostages offered support during the rescue operation, according to a U.S. administration official, who was not authorized to comment and asked not to be identified.

As Israel's offensive in Gaza continues with full intensity, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken returns to the Middle East on Sunday in hopes of convincing Israel and Hamas militants to accept a cease-fire deal conceived to halt fighting, free hostages and allow more humanitarian aid into the war-torn Gaza Strip.

Blinken's three-day trip will include stops in Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Qatar.


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