Israeli Forces Claim to Free 4 Hostages in Gaza Operation

On October 7, Hamas attacked the Nova Music Festival, taking numerous Israelis hostage. Recently, the Israeli military reported that they have rescued four of these hostages during an operation in central Gaza.

This information was shared in a BBC report on Saturday.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified the rescued individuals as Noa Argamani (25), Almog Meir Jan (21), Andrei Kozlov (27), and Shlomi Ze'ev (40).

This rare hostage rescue comes eight months into the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. On October 7 of last year, Hamas launched attacks on the music festival near the Gaza border and other southern Israeli areas, taking 251 people hostage. According to the IDF, 116 of these hostages are still held in Palestinian territory, and 41 have been killed. Among those kidnapped was Noa Argamani, an Israeli citizen of Chinese descent.

In November, Hamas agreed to a week-long ceasefire, during which they released 105 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

The IDF stated that the hostages were rescued from two separate locations in Nuseirat, central Gaza, in a joint operation with the Israel Security Agency and Israeli police.

Regarding the current condition of the rescued individuals, the IDF reported that they are in good health but have been transferred to Sheba Tel Hashomer Medical Center for further medical examinations.

Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry, governed by Hamas, reported that dozens of people, including children, were killed or injured in the operation. Medical staff at Al-Aqsa Hospital are struggling to treat the wounded.

The Ministry posted on Facebook, stating, "Several injured people are lying on the ground, and doctors are trying to save them with their limited medical capabilities."

The Hostage Family Forum, representing the families of Israeli hostages, described the rescue of the four hostages as a "miraculous victory" and thanked the IDF for the "heroic operation."

The group emphasized, "The Israeli government must remember its commitment to bringing back the 120 hostages still held by Hamas."

In response to the military operation in Nuseirat, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh said, "Israel will not be able to impose its will on Hamas. Hamas will not agree to a ceasefire until the security of Palestinians is achieved."

Source: BBC