In a daring operation, Israeli forces liberated two hostages in a thrilling raid in Gaza.

• Gaza's Rafah is reportedly the last Hamas stronghold, and Israel has hinted that a ground offensive may soon target the city.
• On Sunday, the White House stated that President Biden had cautioned Netanyahu against launching a military operation against Hamas in Rafah without a "credible and executable" plan to safeguard civilians.

On Monday, Israeli forces successfully rescued two hostages from a heavily guarded apartment in the southern Gaza Strip, despite the operation resulting in the death of at least 50 Palestinians, including women and children, according to Palestinian health officials.

The release of more than 100 captives held by Hamas and other militant groups was celebrated in Israel.

The airstrikes in Rafah, a city on the southern edge of the Gaza Strip, resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians who had fled there to escape fighting in the Israel-Hamas war.

The ongoing war has made freeing the remaining hostages a top priority for Israel, along with destroying Hamas' military and governing capabilities. However, as the conflict continues into its fifth month, the hostages' freedom remains out of reach, and divisions have emerged among Israelis over the best way to resolve the crisis.

Even though other top officials have opposed the idea of using persistent military pressure to secure the release of the Palestinian prisoners, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains firm in his belief that this approach is the only way to bring about their freedom.

The White House on Sunday advised President Joe Biden had cautioned Netanyahu against launching a military operation against Hamas in Rafah without a "credible and executable" plan to safeguard civilians.

The two hostages rescued by the army were identified as Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70, who were abducted by Hamas militants in the Oct. 7 cross-border attack that led to the war.

During Hamas' cross-border raid, about 250 people were taken captive, while approximately 1,200 civilians were killed, according to Israeli authorities. In response, Israel launched a retaliatory air and ground offensive that resulted in the deaths of over 28,000 Palestinians, displaced over 80% of the population, and caused a significant humanitarian crisis.

In November, over 100 hostages were released during a week-long cease-fire. Israel claims that approximately 100 hostages are still being held by Hamas, while Hamas also holds the remains of roughly 30 individuals who were either killed on October 7 or died in captivity. Unfortunately, three hostages were mistakenly killed by the army after escaping their captors in December.

A dramatic raid

The Israeli military spokesman, Adm. Daniel Hagari, stated that the two hostages were being held in a second-floor apartment in Rafah, with Hamas gunmen guarding them not only in the apartment but also in nearby buildings.

At 1:49 a.m. Monday, special forces entered the apartment under fire, followed by airstrikes on the surrounding areas. Members of the rescue team protected the hostages by shielding them with their bodies as a fierce battle broke out in multiple locations simultaneously, with Hamas gunmen involved.

The hostages were airlifted to Sheba Medical Center in central Israel after being taken to a nearby "safe area" and given a quick medical check. Their medical condition was reported to be good. This makes them the second and third hostage to be rescued safely; a female soldier was rescued in November.

Israel's military chief and other top officials were present as Netanyahu joined the operation, which was based on precise intelligence and had been planned for some time.

The rescue of the Israeli soldier is a morale booster, but it's a small step toward freeing the remaining hostages, who are thought to be concealed in tunnels and in poor condition.

Three other relatives of Har and Marman were kidnapped along with them from a home in Gaza. They were released in a late-November deal. No other family members of theirs remain in Gaza, Israeli media reported.

Idan Begerano, Har's son-in-law, shared with reporters that he and his wife were able to visit the released captives at the hospital. He stated that the two men were thin and pale, but communicating well and aware of their surroundings. Begerano revealed that Har greeted him with a birthday wish, saying "Mazal tov" upon seeing him.

Dozens killed in strikes

At least 50 people were killed in the airstrikes that supported Israeli forces in Rafah, as reported by Dr. Marwan al-Hams, director of the Abu Youssef al-Najjar hospital. An Associated Press journalist counted the bodies at the hospital.

Video clips of children who were either dead or injured have been shared on social media from Rafah's Kuwaiti hospital. Although the footage needs to be confirmed, it aligns with AP's reporting.

The wounded were seen lying on the hospital floor as medics tried to treat them. One wounded man was on the ground with two bloodied children lying beside him. "Rescue the girl," he screamed.

The young man was seen carrying the body of an infant who he claimed was killed in the attacks. He stated that the girl, the daughter of his neighbor, was born and killed during the war.

"What is she to blame?" he asked.

Concerns about Rafah

Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu believes that deploying ground troops in Rafah is crucial to achieving Israel's war objectives, while U.S. President Biden advises Israel to exercise great caution before taking any action. Approximately 1.4 million Palestinians, which accounts for more than half of Gaza's population, are currently residing in Rafah, where many live in overcrowded U.N. shelters and sprawling tent camps.

Biden spoke with Netanyahu on Sunday and used his strongest language yet on the possible operation. He also urged for specific steps to enhance humanitarian aid in Gaza. The call lasted 45 minutes, according to Israel's Channel 13 TV.

A senior U.S. administration official stated that much of the call focused on the possibility of a cease-fire agreement. After weeks of diplomacy, a framework for a deal has been established, which could result in the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and an end to the fighting.

The official, who requested anonymity to discuss negotiations, admitted that "gaps remain," but refused to provide specifics. The official stated that recent military pressure on Hamas in Khan Younis aided in bringing the group closer to agreeing to a deal.

The Hamas official stated that any invasion of Rafah would destroy the talks mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, according to Hamas' Al-Aqsa television station. Netanyahu's office declined to comment on the call.

Biden and Netanyahu discussed the situation in Egypt after two Egyptian officials and a Western diplomat stated that Egypt threatened to suspend its peace treaty with Israel if troops are sent into Rafah. The Camp David peace accords have been a cornerstone of regional stability for over 40 years. Egypt is concerned about a potential influx of Palestinian refugees who may never be allowed to return.