Families and friends of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas launch a small airship calling for their release, 'Save them now' in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv on June 9, 2024. (Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images)

IDF Rescues 4 Hostages in Gaza, Future of 120 Others Uncertain

Steven Ganot

06/10/2024

In a dramatic rescue operation, Israeli forces freed four hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, while the fate of around 120 others remains uncertain. The operation, which resulted in the deaths of more than 200 Hamas fighters and Palestinian noncombatants according to Palestinian reports but around 90 by Israeli estimates, has drawn international condemnation for the high civilian casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for national unity and says he remains committed to rescuing all of the remaining hostages. The release has sparked a heated debate in Israel over whether to continue military operations or strike a cease-fire-and-prisoner-exchange deal with Hamas. Hamas’ response to the successful rescue indicates they are tightening security around the remaining hostages. Israeli officials are under pressure to reach a deal, with US President Joe Biden promoting a proposal that could lead to the normalization of Israel-Saudi Arabia relations. The ongoing conflict has caused significant destruction in Gaza and led to massive protests in Israel, highlighting the complex and urgent nature of the situation. For a deeper understanding, readers are encouraged to read Keren Setton’s full article.