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Analysis

Hostages' rescue buys Netanyahu time as Israel braces for longer war in Gaza

Prime Minister Netanyahu is patting himself on the back for the rescue operation of two Israeli hostages held in Rafah, and continues planning a military operation there despite US warnings.

Palestinians inspect the damage amid the rubble of a building where two hostages were reportedly held before being rescued during an operation by Israeli security forcess in Rafah, on the southern Gaza Strip on February 12, 2024, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the militant group Hamas. Israel announced on February 12 the rescue of two hostages in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where the Hamas-run health ministry said "around 100" Palestinians including children were killed in heavy overnight air
Palestinians inspect the damage amid the rubble of a building where two hostages were reportedly held before being rescued during an operation by Israeli security forcess in Rafah, on the southern Gaza Strip on February 12, 2024. — SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images

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