Israel says two male Israeli hostages have been rescued in a raid in Rafah, amid reports of heavy Israeli air strikes on the southern Gazan city.
The Israeli military says the two men are in “good medical condition”.
Earlier, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said Rafah was under attack, with a number of deaths reported.
It follows warnings from the international community over Israel’s planned offensive in the city, where 1.5 million people are sheltering.
Israel said it had conducted strikes in southern Gaza, providing no details.
The rescued hostages were taken to Sheba Medical Center in central Israel for tests.
The IDF posted night-time footage of a helicopter landing at an unspecified location.
It is unclear whether the men were aboard.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant described the rescue operation as “impressive”.
He added that the military will continue to fulfil itscommitment to return the abducted, in any way.
