The health ministry in Gaza, run by Hamas, reports that an Israeli raid on a refugee camp resulted in the deaths of 274 people, including civilians and children, during the rescue of four hostages.
The intense gun battles, supported by air strikes, occurred in and around the Nuseirat refugee camp, leading to the release of the captives.
The hostages, aged 22-41, were abducted from a music festival on October 7. While the Israeli military estimates fewer than 100 deaths, the health ministry’s figures suggest one of the deadliest days in the conflict.
Eyewitnesses in the densely populated area describe the terror of bombardment and gunfire, with one man recounting seeing bodies torn apart and bloodstained walls. The hostages’ return to Israel has sparked celebration, with world leaders like US President Joe Biden welcoming the news.
However, criticism mounts over the high civilian casualty count, with EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell condemning the operation “in the strongest terms” and labelling reports of civilian massacres as “appalling”.
