Israeli military operation to release four hostages resulted in 274 Palestinian deaths

Middle East, News June 10, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

An Israeli military operation to rescue four hostages from Hamas custody in Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp resulted in significant casualties. The health ministry in Gaza claims the raid, which included intense gun battles and airstrikes, resulted in 274 Palestinian deaths. The Israeli military has estimated fewer than 100 casualties.

Residents of the densely populated camp described a scene of terror and devastation following the Israeli military operation. Local journalists claimed that Israeli forces disguised themselves as humanitarian aid workers to enter the Nuseirat refugee camp and carry out the intense military operation in the densely populated civilian area, however, the Israeli forces have denied the claims.

The rescue mission successfully freed Noa Argamani, 26, Almog Meir Jan, 22, Andrei Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 41, who were abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7. Their return sparked celebrations in Israel and praise from world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden. However, the high death toll has prompted widespread criticism of the operation.

European Union foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell condemned the operation, stating, “Reports from Gaza of another massacre of civilians are appalling.” An Israeli minister responded by criticizing the EU for not condemning Hamas for using civilians as shields.

Israeli forces rescued four hostages — ^{A helicopter flies after the military said that Israeli forces had rescued four hostages alive from the central Gaza Strip on Saturday, in Ramat Gan, Israel June 8, 2024. (Image Credit: Reuters/Marko Djurica)}

Videos and images from the aftermath show scenes of carnage, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of injured and dead. Footage from al-Aqsa Hospital shows many severely injured people lying on the ground, with the blood-stained floor so crowded that doctors struggle to move between patients.

Other videos depict a constant stream of new cases arriving by car and ambulance, and being carried into the building. The director of al-Awda Hospital told the media that the number of dead brought to the hospital continued to rise even after the operation.

Humanitarian cost

The raid has intensified the debate over the humanitarian cost of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The rescue operation coincides with ongoing efforts for a ceasefire and a broader hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure to negotiate an agreement but also opposition from far-right allies advocating for continued military action.

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh responded to the raid by asserting that Israel cannot impose its will on the group. He emphasized that Hamas would only agree to a ceasefire if it ensured security for Palestinians.

Palestinians fleeing Rafah — *^{Displaced Palestinians are fleeing Rafah after the Israeli military told civilians to leave the eastern parts of the southern Gazan city, on May 6, 2024. (Image Credit: Ramadan Abed/Reuters)}*

The conflict, which began with Hamas’ attacks on October 7, has resulted in substantial casualties on both sides. The health ministry reports a death toll of 37,084 people in Gaza. The Israeli military continues its efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages and address the broader security situation.

As international and domestic pressures mount, the implications of the recent operation will likely influence future strategies and negotiations in the ongoing conflict.