Unarmed U.S. drones are flying over the Gaza Strip to help recover hostages, the Pentagon said Friday, as Israel, America and other nations race to secure the release of the more than 200 prisoners believed to be held by Hamas terrorists.
Defense Department officials said in a statement that the American unmanned aerial vehicle flights began after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that killed more than 1,400 Israelis in addition to grabbing hostages. In response, Israel has launched a massive counterattack against Hamas positions in Gaza, including a relentless air campaign and limited ground operations in the Palestinian enclave.
The hostages greatly complicate the Israeli operation. Friday’s statement from the Pentagon underscores the behind-the-scenes cooperation between the U.S. and Israel in the effort to free those prisoners.
“In support of hostage recovery efforts, the U.S. is conducting unarmed UAV flights over Gaza, as well as providing advice and assistance to support our Israeli partner as they work on their hostage recovery efforts. These UAV flights began after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel,” Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, said Friday.
Americans are believed to be among the hostages still held by Hamas. The terrorist group has released a handful of hostages the past several weeks, including Judith Ranaan, 59, and her daughter Natalie, 17, of the Chicago area. Hamas said they were freed on “humanitarian” grounds.
The U.S. has dispatched military personnel to Israel to aid in the complex hostage recovery operation.
Qatar and other influential regional players are also engaged in negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of more prisoners.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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