HEADLINES
- IDF Frees Four Hostages in High-Risk Gaza Operation; Commander Killed
- Hamas Claims Three Hostages, Including American, Killed in Rescue Mission
- Netanyahu Criticized for Ignoring Families of Killed Hostages Amid Rescue Praise

The time is now 11:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the latest developments concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict, the situation remains tense and complex, with significant events unfolding over the past 24 hours. Here is a detailed report on the current state of affairs.

Hostage Rescue Operation in Gaza

Yesterday, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a high-risk operation in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. This mission, named "Operation Arnon," aimed to rescue four hostages held by Hamas. The hostages, Noa Argamani, Almog Meir, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv, were successfully freed. However, the operation came at a heavy price. Chief Inspector Arnon Zamora, who led the raid on the second apartment, was seriously wounded in an exchange of fire and later succumbed to his injuries.

The IDF revealed that the operation involved precise intelligence gathering over several weeks, coordinated by the Shin Bet and the IDF intelligence unit. The Kfir Brigade, supported by the Paratroopers Brigade and a special force from the Duvdevan Unit, played a crucial role in the mission. The Israel Air Force also attacked dozens of military targets to facilitate the operation.

Claims of Casualties by Hamas

In a statement released on Sunday, Hamas claimed that three Israeli hostages, including an American citizen, were killed during the rescue mission. The Hamas armed wing alleged that these deaths occurred due to actions taken by the Israeli military during the operation. This assertion remains a developing story, with further verification and details awaited.

Disguises and Deception

According to eyewitness reports, IDF forces disguised themselves as displaced Palestinians to infiltrate the Nuseirat camp. They arrived in a truck packed with home furnishings and clothes, claiming they had left Rafah due to heavy bombings. This subterfuge allowed them to approach their targets without raising suspicion.

Reactions and Criticisms

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the rescued hostages in the hospital but faced criticism for not visiting the families of hostages who were killed in captivity or during the initial attacks on October 7. Relatives and political leaders expressed their discontent, with some accusing Netanyahu of dividing victims and not showing equal compassion. Avi Marciano, father of a hostage killed in captivity, voiced his disappointment on social media, highlighting the emotional toll on families who have not received the same level of attention.

Yair Golan, the newly-elected chair of the Labor Party, also criticized Netanyahu, stating that a reasonable prime minister should not discriminate between victims and should comfort all affected families. This criticism underscores ongoing tensions between the prime minister and the families of hostages, many of whom have been protesting for the release of their loved ones and calling for new elections.

IDF's Detailed Account

The IDF has provided further details on "Operation Arnon." The rescue mission was marked by meticulous planning and the involvement of multiple military units. The operation was executed during daylight hours, a notable deviation from typical night-time raids, demonstrating the urgency and complexity of the mission.

Community and Nationwide Responses

In response to the rescue operation and the ongoing conflict, thousands of protesters gathered across Israel on Saturday night. These protests called for a comprehensive hostage deal and new elections,...

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09 Jun 2024