In a daring military operation, Israeli forces have successfully rescued four hostages from two separate locations in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The rescued individuals, identified as Noa Argamani, 25, Almog Meir Jan, 21, Andrey Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 40, were kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7 by Hamas militants.
The IDF stated that the hostages were in good medical condition and had been transferred to the ‘Sheba’ Tel-HaShomer Medical Center for further medical examinations. The rescue operation was a collaborative effort involving the Israeli military, intelligence, and special forces, marking the third successful hostage rescue mission since the Hamas attacks on October 7.
Video footage released by the IDF showed an emotional reunion between Noa Argamani and her father following her release. Argamani, one of the best-known remaining hostages, had previously appeared in a series of Hamas propaganda videos released in January. In one of the videos, she was shown alongside two male hostages, Yossi Sharabi and Itai Svirsky, whose deaths were later confirmed by their home village.
The rescue operation took place amidst ongoing Israeli military activity in central Gaza, with the IDF targeting terrorist infrastructure in the Nuseirat area. Heavy airstrikes and artillery shelling have also been reported in the nearby areas of al-Zawaideh and Deir al-Balah, resulting in casualties.
The successful rescue of the four hostages is a significant development in Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which aims to weaken Hamas’ capabilities and secure the release of all Israeli hostages. In October last year, IDF Corporal Ori Megidish was rescued from the northern Gaza Strip, while Fernando Marman and Louis Har were rescued from southern Rafah on February 12 this year.
As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, the international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the safe return of all hostages. The Israeli government has reiterated its commitment to protecting its citizens and bringing an end to the violence perpetrated by Hamas and other militant groups in the region.
The rescue of Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv serves as a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing turmoil in Gaza and underscores the unwavering dedication of the Israeli forces in ensuring the safety and well-being of their citizens.
Credit: CNN