Israel frees four hostages in deadly Gaza raid

Israel is celebrating the return of four hostages to their families after eight months in captivity in Gaza.

Israeli forces rescued them from two locations in the Nuseirat refugee camp. One officer was killed in the daytime operation and in the last hour, Hamas’ armed wing has said some hostages died too. But medics say intense Israeli bombardment also killed 94 Palestinians in Nuseirat and Deir Al Balah, while Gaza’s Hamas-run government office says the death toll is 210, with 400 wounded.

The nearby Al Aqsa Hospital has been inundated with casualties and is described as being in a “catastrophic situation”, with staff struggling to cope.