Israel rescues four hostages in Gaza military operation

By Nathan Morley

Israeli Security forces say they’ve rescued four hostages from two separate locations in Nuseirat in central Gaza during a ‘special daylight operation’.

The freed hostages have been named as Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrei Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv. All four were kidnapped from a music festival on October 7.

They were liberated during what is being described as a ‘high-risk, complex mission’ from two separate buildings in the Nuseirat area. They are all said to be in good medical condition and have been taken to hospital.

At least 50 people were killed as a result of the operation according to a spokesperson at a hospital in Deir al-Balah, however details are sketchy.

Israeli military accused of failing to protect children

In a separate development, the United Nations has added the Israeli military to a list of offenders failing to protect children during 2023.

Describing the decision as ‘shameful,’ Israel's ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, said he had been notified of the decision on Friday.

In Jerusalem, Foreign Minister Israel Katz added it would 'have consequences for Israel's relations with the UN'.

The list – published annually by the Secretary-General - covers the killing of children in war and denial of access to aid.

Israel has been under intense scrutiny from the international community for the past month due to civilian casualties in Gaza and concerns regarding its efforts to minimize them during the ongoing eight-month-long conflict.

Cholera outbreak in Gaza

Separately, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has warned of an outbreak of cholera in Gaza Strip in light of the lack of clean water and scorching temperatures, worsened by a spell of blistering weather.

UNRWA said that with limited access to clean water in the Gaza Strip and the continued intense summer heat, the risk of disease outbreaks and dehydration increases.