In a daring operation on Saturday, Israeli forces rescued four hostages taken by Hamas from the October 7 Nova music festival. The hostages—25-year-old Noa Argamani, 21-year-old Almog Meir Jan, 27-year-old Andrey Kozlov, and 40-year-old Shlomi Ziv—were freed during a raid on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Shin Bet security service, and Israeli police coordinated the mission, which resulted in heavy casualties among Palestinians.
The rescue operation was announced as Israeli forces were targeting “terrorist infrastructure” in the area. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari described the mission as “high risk and complex,” involving precise intelligence and conducted under heavy fire. The hostages were found in two separate buildings and immediately transferred to Tel Hashomer Sheba Medical Center for medical evaluation, where their conditions were reported as stable.
The daring rescue, however, came at a high cost. At least 210 Palestinians were killed and over 400 injured, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health. Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli forces initially disguised themselves in civilian clothing before launching the attack, leading to violent clashes. The IDF confirmed that one of their commanders, Arnon Zamora, was killed in the operation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the bravery of the Israeli forces, stating, “We will not give in to terrorism and will continue operating creatively and bravely to rescue the hostages.” He affirmed Israel’s commitment to bringing home all remaining hostages, both alive and deceased. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed this sentiment, praising the courage of the IDF and special forces involved in the rescue.
The Hostages Families Forum expressed immense relief and joy over the successful rescue, urging the government to continue its efforts to free the remaining 120 hostages held by Hamas. The operation marks only the third successful hostage rescue by Israeli forces, following previous rescues in northern Gaza and southern Rafah.
The rescue has brought renewed focus on the plight of hostages still held by Hamas. Among those rescued, Noa Argamani had become a symbol of the October 7 attacks after a video showed her being kidnapped by Hamas fighters. Her family had received signs of her survival through various Hamas propaganda videos. The emotional reunion between Argamani and her father was captured on video, with her also speaking to Prime Minister Netanyahu, who reassured her of Israel’s unwavering efforts to secure her release.
However, the operation has also intensified the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Local residents described scenes of devastation, with many injured civilians struggling to receive medical attention in overwhelmed hospitals. Gaza’s health ministry highlighted the dire situation, with medical teams attempting to save lives amidst limited resources.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely. President Joe Biden, during a visit to Paris, reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting Israel’s efforts to secure a ceasefire and bring all hostages home.
As the conflict rages on, the total number of hostages still held in Gaza from the October 7 attacks stands at 116, with at least 41 confirmed dead. The Israeli military remains focused on its mission to rescue the remaining captives, underscoring the ongoing and complex nature of the conflict.
