Hamas-run health ministry says ‘around 100’ killed in Rafah strikes as Israel rescued 2 hostages

Illustrative: Smoke billows during strikes on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on February 12, 2024 (SAID KHATIB / AFP)
Illustrative: Smoke billows during strikes on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on February 12, 2024 (SAID KHATIB / AFP)

Predawn Israeli strikes during an operation to rescue two Israeli hostages held in the southern Gaza city of Rafah killed “around 100” people, the Strip’s Hamas-run health ministry says in a statement.

The statement revises upward the ministry’s earlier toll of 52 people killed in the strikes on the city along the Egyptian border.

The Israel Defense Forces said it used intense firepower against gunmen in and around the building were the two hostages were held. It said “many terrorists were killed.”

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.