GAZA: Israel freed two Israeli-Argentinian hostages in Rafah under cover of airstrikes which local health officials said killed 67 Palestinians and wounded dozens in southern Gaza city, last refuge of about million displaced civilians.

Joint operation by Israeli military, domestic Shin Bet security service and Special Police Unit in Rafah freed Fernando Simon Marman (60) and Louis Hare (70) military said.

Gaza Health Ministry said 67 people had been killed and number could rise as rescue operations were under way. Photograph from scene showed vast area of rubble where buildings had been destroyed.

Palestinians in Rafah said two masajid and several houses were hit in more than an hour of strikes by Israeli warplanes, tanks and ships, causing widespread panic among people who had been asleep.

Hamas said attack on Rafah was continuation of “Genocidal war” and forced displacement attempts Israel has waged against Palestinian people. “Whole world condemned Israel’s plans to invade Rafah.

They are destroying city before they invade it, how is world doing now? Only concerned?” he said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 13 2024

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