UN adds Israel to list of states committing violations against children
GuardianJun 21
Israel Says Four Hostages Freed from Gaza
Above: People wave to IDF forces taking off in a helicopter after brining hostages to Tel HaShomer hospital on June 08, 2024 in Ramat Gan, Israel. Image copyright: Alexi Rosenfeld/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Four Israeli hostages — Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv — have been rescued alive from two locations in a special operation in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, the Israeli military said Saturday.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the hostages — who were kidnapped by Hamas from the Nova Music and Dance Festival during the Oct. 7 attack last year — were in "good medical condition" and have been transferred to a hospital in Ramat Gan for medical checks.
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Kudos to Israeli intelligence and special forces for the high-risk, complex, and heroic operation to rescue and reunite innocent citizens with their families after eight months. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must complete the mission and return home all the hostages — those alive for rehabilitation and the deceased for burial.
Pro-Palestine narrative
It's the time to mourn and reflect, not celebrate — more than 100 innocent Palestinians have lost their lives amid heavy shelling and artillery fire to rescue four Israelis. Netanyahu should reach an agreement for a cease-fire and hostage release with Hamas to end the bloodshed in Gaza.