Summary

Israeli Defense Forces rescued four hostages from the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza on Saturday. The operation resulted in over 260 deaths and 400 injuries, which Israeli officials dispute. The raid has increased international tensions, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu will be visiting DC next month to address Congress.

For those who read...

Israeli Defense Forces rescued four hostages Saturday during a special operation in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Gaza’s health ministry reported the rescue mission killed more than 260 people, including dozens of children, and injured more than 400 in the process. Israeli officials dispute these numbers and note that they had to enter civilian areas in order to rescue the hostages, as that is where Hamas operates.

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All four of the hostages were kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7th of last year. Rescued hostages include Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov and Shlomi Ziv. They were all said to be in good health and have been reunited with their families. 

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In a press conference, Israeli officials described the operation as a “complex” daylight operation that involved cooperation between military troops, police officers and members of the Shin Bet internal security agency. During the raid, one Israeli special forces soldier was badly wounded and later died. 

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Those injured or killed as a result of the operation were taken to Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat and Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, two hospitals in the Gaza strip. The raid adds to the growing death toll from the Israel-Hamas war that has been increasing in intensity throughout the past 8 months. Saturday’s events also hindered the increasingly fragile attempts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, causing delays to aid delivery. 

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Following Saturday’s operation, the number of Israeli hostages still held in the Gaza strip is 116, of which reports indicate at least 41 are dead. Israel has now rescued seven hostages total since October 7th. Divisions within the Israeli government about the best way to bring hostages home has deepened as the war drags on. International pressure is growing, urging the Israeli government to take more steps to limit the suffering of Palestinian civilians as Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza. In light of this growing international criticism, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit Washington DC next month to address Congress.

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Thanks for listening and we’ll be sure to keep you updated as the situation in Gaza continues to unfold. In the meantime, text us back any thoughts, questions, or comments so we can make Current2 better for you. Have a great Monday!

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Israel rescues four hostages (USA Today)

Over 400 Palestinians injured in Israeli operation (CNN)

274 Palestinians killed in Israeli hostage operation (AP)

Netanyahu to Visit DC (Fox)