In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, two significant events took place over the weekend of June 9, 2024. The first was the rescue of four Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and the second was a deadly operation that resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan urged Hamas to accept a cease-fire deal with Israel for the safe return of all hostages. Four Israeli hostages, Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andri Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv, were rescued by Israeli security forces during a daring helicopter raid in central Gaza with U.S. support.
The most effective way to return all hostages is through a comprehensive cease-fire and hostage deal. As highlighted by President Biden, this approach would bring an end to the war and ensure the safety of all parties involved.
However, Hamas continues to use hostages as human bargaining chips in their ongoing conflict with Israel. The militants have been moving them around from one location to another, making it difficult for Israeli intelligence units to locate them.
The rescue operation began in secrecy with mock-ups of the buildings constructed for troops to rehearse. Israeli troops were able to surprise Argamani's guards and extract her from her apartment without tipping them off. However, a firefight erupted when the guards with the three male hostages were not taken by surprise, exposing the covert mission.
The operation resulted in at least 274 Palestinian deaths and hundreds of injuries according to Gaza's health ministry. Israel disputes these numbers and estimates that there were under 100 casualties as a result of the raid.
Despite the challenges, Israeli intelligence units remain determined to locate and rescue all remaining hostages held by Hamas. The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, with both sides suffering losses.
