67 killed in Rafah airstrikes as Israel frees two hostages

The Gaza health ministry said 67 people had been killed and the number could rise as rescue operations were under way. 

Palestinians sit by the destruction from the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Rafah. Picture: AP Photo/Hatem Ali

Israel freed two Israeli-Argentinian hostages in Rafah on Monday under the cover of airstrikes which local health officials said killed 67 Palestinians and wounded dozens in the southern Gaza city that is the last refuge of about a million displaced civilians.

A joint operation by the Israeli military, the domestic Shin Bet security service and the Special Police Unit in Rafah freed Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Hare, 70, the military said.