Israeli-Bedouin Hostage Qaid Farhan Alkadi Rescued by IDF from Hamas in Rafah

In a daring and successful operation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet on Tuesday rescued Qaid Farhan Alkadi, an Israeli-Bedouin hostage who had been held by Hamas in Rafah since October 7. The 52-year-old, a resident of Rahat, was the first live hostage to be freed from a tunnel, marking a significant achievement in Israel's ongoing efforts to bring back its citizens from Hamas captivity.

The operation was led by Division 162, Brigade 401, Yahalom anti-tunnel special forces, and the elite Shayetet 13 naval commandos. Alkadi was found in good health and is currently undergoing further medical evaluations at an undisclosed hospital.

This marks the fourth successful operation to rescue a live Israeli hostage from Hamas, with previous operations having also recovered the bodies of several hostages who had been killed by the terrorist group. Alkadi’s rescue brings the total number of live hostages freed from Gaza to eight, reducing the number of those still in captivity to 108 from an original 250.

While details of the operation remain classified, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi commended the bravery and determination of the forces involved. "We do everything we can to save hostages. The IDF and the Shin Bet showed courage, determination, and taking initiative in a complex operation," he said.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also praised the success of the operation, reaffirming the IDF's commitment to continuing such daring missions to rescue all hostages held by Hamas.

Alkadi’s rescue is a significant morale boost for Israel, which continues to grapple with the ongoing conflict and the painful reality of many of its citizens still held captive by Hamas.

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