Four Israeli hostages held by Hamas have been freed in the Gaza Strip, Israel announced on Saturday 8 June

Hamas reports that more than 270 people were killed in the operation. The release of the hostages provoked both joyful and critical reactions. Following the announcement of the hostages’ release on Saturday 8 June, several prominent figures, including European Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell, expressed their disagreement with the conditions of their release.

The Israeli army, which carried out the operation, described it as ‘difficult’. According to the Hamas Ministry of Health, it resulted in the deaths of at least 274 people. The hostages were freed in the Nousseirat refugee camp. Aged 22, 26, 27 and 41, they had been kidnapped during a Hamas attack on the site of the Nova music festival, triggering the hostilities.

The head of EU diplomacy expressed his relief at the release of the hostages, but also condemned the high number of civilians killed. The UN Secretary General called for an end to the bloodshed. The UN Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian Territories welcomed the release of the hostages but regretted the high number of civilian casualties.

The Israeli operation was intended to show Israel’s determination in the face of terrorism, for those who had doubts, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Hostage Families Forum welcomed the release and called for the release of the other hostages. Hamas reacted by condemning the civilian casualties caused by the operation.

The hostages were transferred to a medical centre near Tel Aviv and are described as being in good health. Videos of the emotional reunion have circulated on social networks. The following Sunday, there were further bombardments in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of four members of the same family. Diplomatic efforts are under way to obtain a truce, with the forthcoming visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Israel, Egypt, Qatar and Jordan.