In a tense and ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a daring Israeli rescue operation successfully saved four hostages from Hamas custody in Gaza on Saturday, but not without heavy casualties. According to Gaza's Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health, at least 274 people were killed and another 698 were injured during the operation.

The Israeli special forces executed the mission by disguising themselves as Palestinian refugees seeking shelter in the southern Gazan town of Rafah, where the hostages were being held. Two locations in Nuseirat, a refugee camp accommodating thousands who have fled the fighting in Gaza, were raided by the Israeli forces in the rescue mission.

The authorities revealed that the Israeli special forces were already positioned near the buildings where the hostages were being held, awaiting the green light from Israeli forces. The command to proceed was given at 11 a.m. local time, and helicopters carrying the rescued hostages and wounded officers landed at Sheba Medical Center in Israel between 12:15 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. local time.

Tragically, Operation Arnon, as the Israeli military has named it, cost the life of one security officer who was honored in the operation's title. The Shin Bet, Israel's internal security forces, the Israeli Defense Forces, and Israeli SWAT team members collaborated to carry out the successful rescue.

As negotiations to secure the release of hostages remain in a standstill, the United Nations Security Council convened on Monday to discuss a U.S. draft resolution, urging Hamas to accept a ceasefire and release the remaining captives. Nate Evans, spokesperson for the U.S. mission to the United Nations, emphasized that accepting the deal would provide a pause in fighting, release hostages, and offer immediate humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield reinforced the urgency for a sustainable end to the conflict, underscoring the continued suffering and devastation caused by the war. She stressed that the United States and every nation present in the chamber are united in their call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages.

Hamas responded positively to the Security Council resolution, stating that they "welcome" the provisions calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. This development raises hopes for a resolution to the conflict that has plagued the region for months.

The Security Council is scheduled to vote on the draft resolution at 3 p.m. on Monday to leverage international pressure on Hamas to accept the ceasefire-hostage release deal proposed by Israel. The resolution seeks to restore peace, protect the lives and well-being of civilians in Gaza, and bring an end to the suffering endured by both sides.

The Israeli-Hamas war continues to escalate, but the successful rescue operation and the upcoming Security Council vote provide a glimmer of hope for a resolution that could potentially bring much-needed relief to the people caught in the crossfire.