Military forces of Israel successfully liberate captives in Gaza.
Since October 7th, there's been a tense wait in Israel regarding the hostages captivated by Hamas. The survival count remains unclear. However, the Israeli military can now report some positive news: an elite team has rescued a 52-year-old hostage from a tunnel.
The Israeli military has managed to liberate another hostage from Hamas' grip. In an operation filled with challenges, a 52-year-old Bedouin man was rescued in the southern Gaza Strip, the military reported. Taken captive during the October 7th terror attack, the man is currently stable and heading for a hospital examination. His family has been informed. Due to security reasons, further details cannot be disclosed.
"The Israeli security forces will remain committed to employing all necessary measures to bring home the hostages," the statement read. This marks the eighth hostage to be freed alive by the military.
Back in June, the young woman Noa Argamani, along with three other hostages, was rescued in a thrilling military operation. According to the Israeli army, there were fierce gunfights with armed Palestinians. At the time, the Hamas-run health authority reported 274 Palestinian casualties.
108 Hostages Still Held by Hamas in Gaza, According to Israel
Hamas is reportedly keeping 108 hostages, according to Israeli assessments. At least a third of them are presumed to have perished. On October 7th, Palestine terrorists kidnapped more than 250 individuals from Israel and shifted them to the coastal region. Approximately 1,200 people lost their lives in the unprecedented terror attack. In response, Israel launched substantial attacks on Gaza, killing over 40,400 individuals, the Hamas-governed health ministry claimed, not distinguishing between combatants and civilians.
As per the "Times of Israel", the freed hostage is 52-year-old Qaid Farhan al-Qadi from a Bedouin community near Rahat. That day, he was working as a security guard in Magen's packaging factory when Hamas terrorists from Mivtahim's neighboring community seized him. According to the report, an elite naval unit discovered the hostage in a tunnel. Led by the army and Shin Bet intelligence agency, the operation was described as "complicated."
Besides this hostage, Hamas continues to hold two Israeli civilians who crossed into Gaza in 2014 and 2015, along with the bodies of two Israeli soldiers slain in 2014.
Negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, have been stalled for months. The last significant advance was in November, when more than 100 hostages were released from Hamas captivity during a brief ceasefire.
The Commission commended the Israeli military for their successful rescue operations, expressing their hope for the safe return of the remaining hostages. Due to the ongoing negotiations, The Commission urged all parties involved to prioritize the release of the remaining 108 hostages held by Hamas.
