In a daring operation, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) rescued two Israeli hostages on Sunday who were being held by Hamas terrorists in Rafah.
In the face of President Joe Biden reportedly warning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to proceed with Israel’s attack on Rafah, a Hamas stronghold in the southern Gaza Strip, IDF along with forces from Shin Bet, Israel’s intelligence agency, rescued Fernando Marman, 61, and Louis Har, 71, who were kidnapped from Nir-Yitzhak on October 7. The two men are now in Sheba Tel Hashomer hospital and in good condition.
“The operation was conducted for an hour and included a prolonged battle in the building and nearby buildings with Hamas militants, dozens of airstrikes and an escort by IDF tanks to the helicopter,” Ynet’s Yoav Zitun reported. Three terrorists who were guarding the hostages were killed, and one IDF soldier was lightly injured.
“The forces stormed into the building in using explosives, entered the building and pulled the two hostages out,” Israel National News reported. “A gun battle developed at the scene, while the Air Force attacked in the area and fire was also opened from nearby buildings.”
“IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Yamam officers arrived in Rafah at around 1 a.m. and ‘carried out a very complex action on the premises and the second floor where the hostages were held,’” The Times of Israel noted. “Reaching the target in the heart of Rafah was very complex,” Hagari stated, adding that the forces conducting the rescue “hugged and protected Louis and Fernando with their bodies.”
“The troops pulled Louis and Fernando out of the apartment and rescued them under fire, until they reached the safe zone,” Hagari said. “This was a complex rescue operation under fire based on sensitive intelligence. A professional and accurate operation. … It was a very tense and very touching night. Such an operation was made possible thanks to the great sacrifice of the standing army and reserve troops who fell and were injured in the battles. Without their sacrifice, we would not have reached this moment.”
“Even this morning, we don’t forget for a moment that 134 hostages are still being held in Gaza,” Hagari concluded.
Way bigger than the Super Bowl. Wow. https://t.co/Ierk7RkyE5
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