On February 12, 2024, Israel conducted a series of airstrikes on the Rafah refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip [Newsmax]. The strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 37 Palestinians, according to local health officials [The National News]. The Israeli military claimed that the strikes were aimed at rescuing two hostages who were being held by Hamas [BBC]. It was reported that the hostages, an Israeli man and a Japanese woman, were killed during the operation [Firstpost]. However, other reports later emerged stating that the hostages had been successfully rescued [NPR]. The Israeli military said that the hostages had been held captive for several years and that the operation was conducted with the assistance of "friendly forces" [National Review].
The airstrikes and the hostage rescue operation drew international attention and condemnation. Former British Prime Minister David Cameron called on Israel to "stop and think" before carrying out further attacks, while also announcing that the UK would impose sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank [Sky News]. The United States, which had previously expressed concerns about Israel's actions in Gaza, called for an immediate end to the violence [BBC]. The incident also had an impact on global oil markets, with oil prices starting the week lower following Israel's announcement that it had concluded its strikes in Gaza [CNBC].
The situation in Gaza remained tense, with ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants. Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, vowed to retaliate against Israel for the airstrikes [VOA News]. The Israeli military said that it would continue to take action against Hamas and other militant groups in order to protect Israeli civilians [Newsmax].
The events in Rafah highlighted the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The situation received widespread media coverage, with major news outlets reporting on the airstrikes, the hostage rescue mission, and the casualties [The Guardian]. The incident also sparked debates and discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the use of military force, and the prospects for peace in the region [SMH].
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