Official statements from IDF or Israeli government, news reports

IDF Rescues Four Israeli Hostages from Nuseirat After Eight Months in Captivity

Jun 8, 2024, 11:41 AM

In a significant development, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have successfully rescued four Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity in Gaza. The hostages, Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv, were held for eight months since their abduction on October 7. The complex daytime operation, which took place in Nuseirat, involved targeting Hamas' 'terror infrastructure' and resulted in heavy casualties, including the death of one Israeli special forces officer. The operation, coordinated with Shin Bet, also targeted a UN school. The freed hostages are reported to be in good medical condition. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari described the mission as high-risk and complex. The rescue has sparked national celebrations in Israel, with emotional reunions between the hostages and their families. Notably, Noa Argamani was reunited with her father on his birthday, fulfilling her terminally ill mother's wish to see her daughter again. Despite the successful rescue, 119 hostages remain in captivity, and efforts continue to secure their release.