Today's hostage rescue operation took place 'under heavy fire' and in a complex environment, Israel's defence minister has said. Praising Israeli troops for their efforts, Yoav Gallant said the mission was 'heroic and extraordinary'. 'Our troops showed so much courage - operating under heavy fire in the most complex urban environment in Gaza,' Gallant said in a statement from his office. Writing on X, he said he followed the operation from the command room.
'The security establishment will continue to fight until the return of our 120 abductees, and will work to release them at every opportunity,' he said. The latest figures suggest at least 94 Palestinians were killed in multiple strikes in the area of the hostage rescue. The Hamas-run Gaza government told Reuters 93 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes on al Nuseirat and nearby areas.The Associated Press reported the number killed has risen to 94.