An Israeli operation, planned over several weeks, has resulted in the rescue of four hostages. However, it also led to the deaths of numerous Palestinians in Gaza and significant destruction in its wake.
Gazan authorities reported at least 274 Palestinian fatalities and hundreds of injuries, without distinguishing between civilian and military casualties.
Despite the joy felt by the families of the four rescued individuals – Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv – eight months after their abduction from the Nova music festival on October 7, the sense of celebration may be short-lived.
What Has the Response Been?
Relatives of the hostages expressed their profound joy at the safe return of their loved ones. Orit Meir, mother of Almog Meir Jan, shared her excitement during a Saturday news conference, expressing her delight at being able to embrace her son again. “I couldn’t stop hugging him,” she exclaimed. “Tomorrow is my birthday, so I got my present.”
Argamani was reunited with her mother, who is terminally ill with Stage 4 cancer.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, who met with the rescued hostages and their families at Sheba Hospital on Saturday, hailed the operation as “heroic” and affirmed that the government would persist in its efforts to secure the release of all those held in captivity.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid described the operation as “a beacon of hope in the midst of darkness.”
Avi Marciano, father of Corporal Noa Marciano, a 19-year-old hostage who died in captivity, said Netanyahu’s public celebrations over the hostage releases contrasted with how he reacted when the outcome was not as positive.
“I am truly happy from the bottom of my heart for the families that were fortunate and able to hug their loved ones. I’m also envious,” Haaretz quoted him as saying. “This emphasizes how bad our ending was. When the ending is bad, the prime minister doesn’t show up. He doesn’t call, either.”
