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Israel Saves Four Hostages in Gaza in Their Biggest Rescue Mission Since October 7th


The rescued individuals have been identified as Noa Argamani, 25, Almog Meir Jan, 21, Andrey Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 40.

The Israeli military has successfully rescued four hostages in a “high-risk” operation deep within the Gaza Strip, as stated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

In a video shared on the social media platform X, IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari revealed the identities of the rescued individuals mentioned above.

All four hostages are currently in good medical condition and have been transported to Sheba Tel-HaShomer Medical Center in Tel Aviv for further evaluation, according to Mr. Hagari.

He mentioned that they will soon be reunited with their families after spending 246 days in captivity under Hamas.

Mr. Hagari explained that these individuals were forcefully taken during the Nova Musical Festival in southern Israel by Hamas-led terrorists on Oct. 7, which triggered the ongoing conflict.

The rescue operation, carried out during daylight around 11 a.m. local time, was based on precise intelligence and involved Israeli forces entering two separate buildings amid gunfire. One Israeli special forces soldier was critically injured during the mission.

This operation marks the largest successful rescue effort of hostages since the commencement of the conflict, with a total of seven individuals now saved by Israeli forces.

In February, two men were rescued, and a woman was rescued soon after the Oct. 7, 2023 attack. The recovery of at least 16 hostage bodies has also taken place.

Netanyahu Meets With Hostage Survivors

In a video posted on X, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was seen meeting the rescued hostages at Sheba Tel-HaShomer Medical Center.

Mr. Netanyahu expressed his joy in a caption, welcoming back Noa, Shlomi, Almog, and Andrey, and assuring their safe return with the help of their fighters.

Among the rescued hostages, Noa Argamani gained significant recognition after being abducted at the music festival. Footage of her abduction, where she pleaded for her life, was among the first to surface.

In another video shared on Mr. Netanyahu’s X account, an excited Ms. Argamani expressed her happiness and relief at being rescued.
Ms. Argamani’s mother, Liora, who is battling stage four brain cancer, made a heartfelt plea earlier this year to see her daughter before her passing.

IDF Committed to Bringing Back Remaining Hostages

Mr. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s determination not to yield to terrorism and to use all means to bring back their abductees.

Hamas had taken around 250 hostages during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, resulting in over 1,200 fatalities.

Approximately 120 hostages are believed to be still in captivity in the Palestinian enclave, with at least 43 declared deceased by authorities. The survivors include women, children, and elderly individuals.

The recent rescue operation was carried out amidst pressure from the Biden administration for a ceasefire deal, which includes releasing the remaining hostages held by Hamas.

President Joe Biden, currently engaged in talks about the Middle East during his visit to France, celebrated the return of the hostages and reiterated the commitment to continue efforts until all hostages are rescued and a ceasefire is achieved.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News





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