The Israeli military rescued four hostages in a special operation at the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.
Gazan authorities reported that the operation resulted in 210 deaths and over 400 injuries.
The hostages, Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv, were taken from the Nova music festival on October 7 and were freed from two separate locations in Nuseirat.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that all four are in good medical condition and have been sent to Sheba Tel-HaShomer Medical Center for further evaluation.
An Israeli counter-terrorism policeman died during the rescue.
The operation involved significant military activity in Nuseirat and surrounding areas, with reports of heavy shelling and artillery fire.
The Gaza government media office reported at least 210 fatalities and more than 400 injuries, with casualties being treated at Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat and Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah.
However, these numbers have not been independently verified according to reports by CNN, and the media office did not specify the distinction between civilians and militants.
An Israeli military spokesperson estimated the casualties at under 100, without specifying the civilian count.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari explained that the hostages were held in civilian buildings by Hamas, necessitating the IDF’s entry into those areas.
The operation involved pre-planned strikes on militant infrastructure and was executed during the day for surprise.
Despite intense fire during withdrawal, the IDF successfully completed the mission.
Hagari described Saturday as an emotional and happy day for Israel, while acknowledging that most remaining hostages are in locations not suitable for similar rescue operations.
Currently, 116 hostages are still held in Gaza, with at least 41 confirmed dead.
