The rescue in Rafah briefly lifted the spirits of Israelis shaken by the plight of the dozens of hostages held by Hamas. Associated Press footage showed a large area of flattened houses, tattered tents and lines of bloodied bodies brought into nearby hospitals. In Hamas’ cross-border raid on Oct. 7, an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, and militants took 250 people captive, according to Israeli authorities. An Associated Press journalist counted at least 50 bodies at the Abu Youssef al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah. Associated Press writer Colleen Long in Washington contributed to this report.

Source: ABC News February 12, 2024 15:52 UTC