The airstrikes took place as people slept in the former ‘safe’ city in southern Gaza; IDF says it has been planning the rescue operation for a long time
Israel rescues two hostages as airstrikes hit Rafah
Israel carried out a special forces operation that freed two Israeli hostages in Rafah while striking the southern city.
Local health officials from the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry say airstrikes early on Monday killed 37 people and wounded dozens. The bombing caused widespread panic in Rafah as people were asleep when they started, according to residents contacted by Reuters using a chat app. Some feared Israel had begun its ground offensive into Rafah.
