Photo: GIDEON MARKOWICZ / AFP / Getty Images
In a daring daylight operation, Israeli forces rescued four hostages from the clutches of Hamas in central Gaza. The hostages, Noa Argamani, 26, Almog Meir Jan, 22, Andrei Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 41, were kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7 and held in two separate buildings in the Nuseirat area. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that all the hostages were in good health following the rescue.
The operation was based on precise intelligence and was carried out under heavy fire, according to IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari. One special forces officer was wounded during the rescue and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
The rescue operation coincided with intense Israeli attacks in the same area, resulting in a high number of Palestinian casualties. Hospitals in Gaza reported being overwhelmed with casualties, including children. The Hamas government media office reported at least 210 people killed and over 400 wounded.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the forces for operating "creatively and bravely."
"We will not let up until we complete the mission and return home all the hostages - both those alive and dead," Netanyahu said.
The rescue operation comes amid ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza and efforts for a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas. The operation is the most successful rescue of hostages by the Israeli military in this war and could influence the political landscape as Prime Minister Netanyahu faces increasing pressure.