HEADLINES - **IDF's "Seeds of Summer" Operation Rescues 4 Israeli Hostages from Gaza** - **Debate Erupts Over Civilian Casualties in Controversial IDF Hostage Rescue** - **Emotional Reunions and Grief: Israel Celebrates Hostage Rescue Amid International Criticism** The time is now 08:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. In the latest developments regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a notable event has taken place involving the rescue of four Israeli hostages. This daring operation, executed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has drawn significant international attention and reactions. The operation, dubbed "Seeds of Summer," successfully rescued Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Shlomi Ziv, and Andrey Kozlov from the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza. The mission was extremely complex, as the hostages were held in two separate locations within this densely populated area. The IDF had to execute simultaneous raids to avoid alerting Hamas and endangering the hostages. The rescue operation was carried out during daylight hours to maintain the element of surprise. Extensive planning preceded the mission, including detailed intelligence gathering and the construction of building models to map out the safest escape routes. Despite the risks, the IDF managed to extract the hostages. Noa Argamani was found barefoot and terrified, initially unable to believe she was being rescued. Soldiers reassured her, and one even carried her to safety on his back. The apartment where the male hostages were held came under heavy fire from Hamas militants, who used rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and other weapons. Despite the intense combat, the IDF successfully rescued Almog, Shlomi Ziv, and Andrey. Tragically, the mission resulted in the injury and subsequent death of Officer Arnon Zamora. The successful extraction of the hostages was met with widespread celebrations across Israel, with emotional reunions providing a moment of relief and joy after eight months of despair. The scenes of Noa reuniting with her father were particularly moving, symbolizing a rare victory in the protracted conflict. However, the operation has sparked a contentious debate internationally. Some public figures, activists, and celebrities have criticized Israel, focusing on the high Palestinian death toll that accompanied the rescue. Social media has seen the viral spread of the phrase "4 for 210," suggesting a disproportionate value placed on Jewish lives over Palestinian lives. Critics argue that the IDF's actions led to unnecessary civilian casualties, including journalist Abdallah Aljamal, who was allegedly involved in holding the hostages. Israel has defended its actions, emphasizing that the responsibility for civilian casualties lies with Hamas, which not only took the hostages but also placed them in civilian areas, thereby endangering non-combatants. According to Israeli sources, Abdallah Aljamal, who has affiliations with Al Jazeera and Hamas, was found to have been complicit in the hostage situation. The broader implications of this event highlight the complexities of warfare and the ethical dilemmas faced by nations combating terrorist organizations. The IDF's mission underscores the perpetual tension between military necessity and the preservation of civilian lives in conflict zones. In a related incident, an alert was activated in the Nirim area, though it was later confirmed to be a false alarm, causing no immediate threat. As the international community continues to navigate the narratives and realities of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the rescue operation stands as a significant, albeit controversial, chapter in this ongoing saga. Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update. I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and...