VIDEO: Israel Rescues Two Hostages Amid Airstrikes

The Israel Defense Forces, alongside operational staff from the Shabak, have successfully rescued two hostages who had been taken by militants on October 7 and were under Hamas protection in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza.

According to Palestinian health authorities, the operation resulted in the deaths of 37 individuals, with dozens more injured. The elite YAMAM counter-terrorism unit was directly involved at the scene, and the entire operation lasted about an hour, targeting two hostages held on the building's second floor. Militants were present in and around the building.

Following the revelation of the special forces' presence, combat ensued. Soldiers employed aviation and cover from special forces (“Shayetet 13”) and armored vehicles. The two hostages were successfully rescued and evacuated by helicopter to Israel, with one soldier sustaining minor injuries.

As of now, according to Tsahal, 134 individuals are still being held as hostages in the Gaza Strip.