The forces then verified the identities of the rescued individuals inside the room.
Medical personnel treating the freed hostages reported that they suffered severe physical and psychological trauma during their eight-month captivity.
Dr. Itai Pessach of Sheba Medical Center said, "It was a harsh, harsh experience, with a lot of abuse, almost every day."
Dr. Pessach emphasized that the prolonged duration of their confinement caused significant systemic health issues, noting that "every hour, both physical, mental, and other types, and that is something that is beyond comprehension."
He added that despite their outward appearance, the individuals suffered from severe muscle wasting: "They had no protein, so their muscles are extremely wasted, there is damage to some other systems because of that."
Following the rescue operation, the World Food Programme temporarily suspended aid deliveries via the US military's floating pier in Gaza due to safety concerns.
A US Agency for International Development spokesperson stated, "WFP has temporarily paused humanitarian maritime corridor operations as the UN conducts a security assessment following security incidents in recent days that have constrained the ability of humanitarian actors to safely operate."
In response to questions about diplomatic relations at the UN, a spokesperson commented on the return of Danny Danon as Israel's permanent representative, saying, "Hope springs eternal."
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Meanwhile, tensions escalated on Israel's northern border as Hezbollah claimed responsibility for downing an Israeli drone over southern Lebanon, stating it was "in support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip."
