Israel-Hamas Conflict: Two hostages rescued in Rafah

Two Israeli hostages - Fernando Simon Marman (60) and Louis Har (70) - have been rescued in a raid in Rafah by Israeli forces. They are reported to be in good medical condition. They were taken to a medical centre in central Israel for medical tests.

In a statement on social media, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that during an overnight "joint operation between the IDF, ISA [Israel Security Agency or Shin Bet], and Israel Police, two Israeli hostages from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak were rescued".

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said: "We will continue to fulfil our commitment to return the abducted, in any way." According to Israeli media reports the hostages were held on the second floor of a building in Rafah.

Armon Aek, acting director at Sheba Medical Center, later said: "Two rescued hostages were received in our ER [examination room] and initial examination was conducted by our ER staff and they are in a stable condition."

Several countries and international organisations have warned Israel against conducting its planned offensive in Rafah, where an estimated 1.5 million people are sheltering.