Israel Defense Forces (IDF) rescued two hostages held by Hamas in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip during a deadly overnight mission, marking it as the first successful freeing of captives in months.
Brothers-in-law and Israeli Argentinian dual citizens Fernando Marman, 61, and Louis Har, 71, were rescued early Monday morning by Israeli soldiers who raided the apartment building where they were being held captive.
The men were reported to be in good condition at the Tel Hashomer Hospital in Ramat Gan and were able to be reunited with their loved ones, according to the New York Post.
The two men were abducted along with 251 others on Oct. 7 from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak when Hamas launched their terrorist attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people.
IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari stated that the operation was led by the Shin Bet’s Special Operations Command and carried out by IDF soldiers and the Shin Bet’s operational unit.
According to Hagari, troops stormed the apartment with explosives at 1:49 a.m., killing the three Hamas terrorists who were guarding the hostages. He stated that soldiers “hugged and protected Louis and Fernando with their bodies.”
“This rescue mission underscores the importance of our ground operation in Gaza. We have a moral obligation to bring all our hostages home, an obligation that we will continue doing everything in our power to fulfill.”
Watch the full statement by IDF Spokesperson RAdl. Daniel… pic.twitter.com/M29G46pJw1
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 12, 2024
“The troops pulled Louis and Fernando out of the apartment and rescued them under fire until they reached the safe zone,” said Hagari.
Close by, Israeli soldiers carried out “massive” airstrikes at 1:50 a.m. to take down Hamas.
Hagari stated that “many terrorists were eliminated” in the mission. Hamas claimed that at least 100 people were killed.
There were no Israeli fatalities reported, but one IDF soldier sustained minor injuries in the rescue mission.
Lt. Col. Richard Hecht stated that the building had been under surveillance for “some time.”
“It was a very complex operation,” Hecht said. “We’ve been working a long time on this operation. We were waiting for the right conditions.”
As the rescue operation was underway, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant joined the Shin Bet war room to observe. Netanyahu referred to the mission as one of “the most successful rescue operations” in Israel’s history.
While there was much to celebrate, Hagari noted that there are still more hostages that need to be rescued.
“Even this morning, we don’t forget for a moment that 134 hostages are still being held in Gaza,” he said.
“If you can hear me now, we are very determined to bring you home and we will not miss any opportunity to bring you home,” Hagari added in a message to the remaining hostages.
