Israeli Airstrike Kills Dozens in Gaza

At Least 35 People, Including Children, Reported Dead

Two Israeli Hostages Rescued in Raid

CNN's Paula Hancocks reports that at least 35 people, mostly civilians, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, southern Gaza. The Palestinian Ministry of Health said the attack hit a residential building. Israel said two hostages it had been holding were rescued in the raid.

Video footage captured by residents in Rafah showed multiple explosions during the Israeli air strike. The Israeli military said the operation was successful. They released footage from the raid, which showed special forces facing heavy resistance from Palestinian militants.

The airstrike comes amid a wave of violence in Gaza. At least 45 people were killed in a similar attack on Sunday. The Hamas-run health ministry blamed Israel for the deaths.

The Israeli government has not commented on the latest airstrike. However, it has said that it is committed to protecting its citizens from Hamas and other terror groups operating in Gaza.