Israeli forces successfully rescued two male hostages, Fernando Simon Marman (60) and Louis Har (70), in a joint operation in Rafah. The hostages, kidnapped by Hamas during a cross-border attack on October 7, were found in Rafah and are reported to be in good medical condition.
Israel conducted airstrikes in southern Gaza during the operation, with conflicting reports on the casualties. The IDF reported engaging in heavy exchanges of fire with terrorists.
The rescue follows international warnings about Israel’s planned offensive in Rafah, where approximately 1.5 million people, who have fled from other parts of Gaza, are sheltering.
The UN humanitarian official highlighted the lack of safe places for them, and several countries, including the US and the UK, expressed concerns about civilian safety in case of an offensive.
Despite these warnings, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted on proceeding with the planned offensive in Rafah.
