Israel celebrates rescue of 4 hostages, Hamas claims 274 killed in raid.

The successful rescue of four hostages from war-torn Gaza has left Israelis cheering, while Palestinians are mourning the loss of 274 people killed and hundreds wounded during the daytime raid.

Israeli special forces engaged in heavy gun battles with Palestinian fighters on Saturday in central Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp to free the captives from two buildings. The operation involved helicopters that airlifted the hostages to safety amidst heavy gunfire and airstrikes that resulted in casualties and destruction of nearby buildings.

Following the rescue, the Gaza Strip’s health ministry reported 274 fatalities, including women and children, with 698 people wounded. The released hostages are in good health, sparking tears of joy among Israelis.

Hamas’s Ezzedine Al Qassam Brigades claimed additional hostages were killed during the operation, while Israel rejected accusations of war crimes and pledged to continue efforts to free all hostages and defeat Hamas.

The latest fighting has resulted in civilian casualties, with Israeli military actions continuing in different areas of Gaza, highlighting the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.

Despite challenges, the rescue of the four hostages brings hope for peace and the eventual release of the remaining captives.