A Monday raid on a heavily guarded apartment in a densely populated area in the Gaza Strip to rescue two hostages resulted in the deaths of 67 Palestinians, according to the Associated Press.
GAZA CITY, GAZA - OCTOBER 13: Palestinian citizens inspect damage to their homes caused by Israeli airstrikes on October 13, 2023 in Gaza City, Gaza. Israel has sealed off Gaza and launched sustained retaliatory air strikes, which have killed at least 1,400 people with more than 300,000 displaced, after a large-scale attack by Hamas. On October 7, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel from Gaza by land, sea, and air, killing over 1,300 people and wounding around 2,800. Israeli soldiers and civilians have also been taken hostage by Hamas and moved into Gaza. The attack prompted a declaration of war by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the announcement of an emergency wartime government.
The cross-border attack orchestrated by Hamas on Oct. 7 stunned the world and resulted in the deaths of 1200 Israelis and the capture of 250 hostages.
Rafah is located on the southern edge of the Gaza Strip near the border with Egypt and it is under duress by the IDF. The city's population has swelled by 1.2 million Palestinians who sought refugee in Rafah. It is also seen as the last remaining stronghold for Hamas. A completely ground offensive is currently in the works, according to military analysts.
The war has killed 28,340 and displaced over 80% of the population and set off a humanitarian crisis.
According to the Health Ministry of Gaza, 12,300 children and young teens have been killed in the conflict, and 8,400 women were killed by the fighting as well. Minors make up 43% of casualties while women and children together make up 75% of the dead. Israel believes around 100 hostages remain in captivity.
The Israeli government is under pressure from the families of those captured and has prioritized their release as a parallel goal along with destroying Hamas' ability to fight and its ability to govern.
What Does Netanyahu Think?
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes military actions are key to freeing the hostages, but AP reports that the families of the hostages and many supporters believe the key is to make another deal with Hamas.
A military spokesman told reporters that special forces broke in a second-floor apartment in Rafah while taking fire early on Monday. That raid was then followed by airstrikes in surrounding areas.
The spokesperson for the IDF also stated Hamas members were guarding the captives and rescuers shielded the hostages with their bodies as the fighting ensued.
The army identified those rescued as Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70, abducted by Hamas militants from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak on Oct. 7.
The airstrikes struck Rafah as it burst at the seams with more than a million additional residents. Initial reports are that 67 Palestinians were killed, but that number is likely to increase as rescuers continue searching the rubble.
