Israel rescues 4 captives from Gaza in operation that killed over 200 Palestinians

CAIRO – 8 June 2024: Israeli forces on Saturday rescued four captives from Gaza in a special operation in Nuseirat, Deir Al-Balah and Al-Zawaideh, which reportedly killed at least 210 Palestinians.

The Israeli army, along with military, special forces, and intelligence units, carried out the rescue mission in Nuseirat, located in central Gaza, according to official statements.

The captives rescued from two separate locations in Nuseirat have been identified as Shlomi Ziv, Noa Argamani, Andrey Kozlov, and Almog Meir Jan.

The Israeli army stated that these individuals were taken captive by Hamas during the Nova music festival on October 7.

They are currently in good medical condition and undergoing examinations at the Sheba Tel-HaShomer Medical Center in Israel, the army added.

Heavy Israeli shelling and artillery fire today resulted in the deaths of 210 people and left over 400 others injured, according to the Gaza government media office.

Since the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, Israeli forces have managed to rescue only seven captives, including those saved today, out of around 250 individuals taken by Hamas on that day.

In November, a prisoner swap deal facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US led to the release of around 100 Israeli captives in exchange for about 240 Palestinian prisoners.

However, Israeli attacks in recent months have resulted in the deaths of many of the around 100 captives still held in Gaza.

Last week, the Israeli army announced the deaths of four captives during an operation in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, while their bodies remain in the custody of Islamist fighters in the strip.

Israel has consistently rejected proposals from the mediators; Egypt, Qatar, and the US for a ceasefire and captive exchange deal with Hamas.

Tel Aviv has insisted that the war in Gaza will not cease until its objectives are achieved, which include the safe return of captives, the destruction of Hamas' capabilities, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.

Israel seeks a temporary ceasefire agreement, while Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire as a non-negotiable condition for accepting a captive exchange.

Over the past eight months, the war in Gaza has killed over 36,000 Palestinians, with more than 83,000 others injured. The majority of the population has been displaced, and the strip is on the verge of famine.