Israel rescues 2 hostages, nearly 100 Palestinians killed

Israeli forces rescued two hostages after storming a heavily guarded apartment in the Gaza Strip town of Rafah. Local officials said nearly 100 Palestinians were killed in the operation early on Monday, most of them in Israeli airstrikes supporting the rescue operation, CNN reported.

2 hostages have just been rescued. Photo: CNN

Footage showed a vast area of flattened homes, torn tents and bloodied bodies being brought into nearby hospitals. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari said the complex rescue operation was launched after receiving “very sensitive and valuable intelligence”.

The rescue involved Israel's Shin Bet internal security agency, special police forces and an IDF tank brigade. The two hostages, Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70, had been held for 128 days. Both men are in relatively good condition and have been reunited with their families.

According to Mr. Hagari, after being rescued, the two hostages were escorted out by members of the special forces under fire from Hamas. Both were taken to a safe place in Rafah for medical care, then taken away by helicopter.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (center) and his generals directly monitor the hostage rescue operation in Rafah. Photo: Times of Israel

There is growing concern about the possibility of an Israeli attack on Rafah, which has become the last refuge for Palestinians fleeing south to escape Israel’s air and ground offensive. According to the United Nations , more than 1.3 million people are believed to be in Rafah, most of whom have been displaced from other parts of Gaza.

HUY QUOC

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/israel-giai-cuu-2-con-tin-gan-100-nguoi-palestine-thiet-mang-post726660.html