Israel strikes Gaza after 2 captives freed, and there are signs that aid may soon enter from Egypt
By NAJIB JOBAIN and JOSEPH KRAUSS
Associated Press
RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel and Palestinian militants traded fire after Hamas released an American woman and her teenage daughter. They were the first of some 200 captives to be freed after the militant group’s Oct. 7 rampage into Israel. Meanwhile, there were indications that the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza would soon open to allow in humanitarian aid. The release late Friday came amid growing expectations of a ground offensive that Israel says is aimed at rooting out the militant group, which has ruled Gaza for 16 years. Israel has completely sealed off the territory for two weeks, and food, medicine and fuel are running low.