Israeli Military Rescues Four Hostages from Gaza, Including Noa Argamani

Israeli Military Rescues Four Hostages from Gaza, Including Noa Argamani

On Saturday, Israeli security forces conducted a successful operation in central Gaza, rescuing four hostages who had been abducted during the Nova music festival on October 7. The hostages, including Noa Argamani, 25, Almog Meir Jan, 21, Andrey Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 40, were transferred to Sheba Tel-HaShomer Medical Center near Tel Aviv, where they are reported to be in good medical condition.

The rescue operation was announced by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israel Securities Authority, and Israel Police. The hostages were rescued from two different locations in the Nuseirat camp during a daytime raid. The IDF spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, described the mission as high-risk and based on precise intelligence, carried out under heavy fire.

Noa Argamani, whose abduction was widely publicized through a video showing her being taken on the back of a motorcycle, expressed her excitement upon her release. She was able to reunite with her father and spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing her relief and joy.

The rescue operation comes amid ongoing pressure on the Israeli government to secure the release of all hostages still held by Hamas. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum called the rescue a "miraculous triumph" and urged the government to continue efforts to free the remaining hostages.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid praised the operation, describing it as a significant achievement. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant highlighted the bravery and creativity of the forces involved in the rescue, emphasizing Israel's commitment to bringing all hostages home.

The successful rescue has been met with widespread jubilation in Israel, with celebrations taking place in various locations, including a beach in Tel Aviv where crowds cheered as the news was announced.

The operation, however, also led to significant casualties in Gaza. Palestinian health officials reported that at least 94 Palestinians were killed, with over 100 injured, following the raid and subsequent air and ground assault by Israeli forces.

The rescue marks the second successful hostage rescue by the IDF since October 7. Efforts continue to locate and secure the release of the remaining hostages, with international support and pressure on Hamas to accept a proposed cease-fire deal.