Operation to free Hamas hostages: the UN and the EU have expressed their condemnation of the loss of civilian life

  • Post category:International
  • Reading time:3 mins read

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.

:
:
:

A man survives the fatal crash of Air India Flight 171 in India and bears witness to the horror on the spot

Air India Flight 171 Crash: One Survivor Speaks Out, 204 Confirmed Dead A sole survivor emerges from a deadly air disaster. Indian authorities have confirmed ...
Read More →

Boeing 787 crash in India: what you need to know about the deadly Air India flight to Ahmedabad

Crash of a Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad: 204 Dead and a Residential Area Devastated Thursday, June 12 – A long-haul Air India aircraft operating flight ...
Read More →

Air crash in India: a London-bound Air India flight crashes into a residential area in Ahmedabad with 242 people on board

Air India Flight Crashes in Ahmedabad: 242 On Board, No Survivors Presumed An Air India aircraft crashed on Thursday, June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff ...
Read More →

Mohamed Amra, extracted from his high-security cell, limits himself to simple statements and refuses to answer the judges.

Mohamed Amra Interrogated Under High Security in Paris Over Deadly Prison Escape Exceptional Security Measures Drug trafficker Mohamed Amra, pursued for his bloody escape in ...
Read More →