Israeli Forces Successfully Rescue Four Hostages in Gaza Operation

Israeli forces successfully rescued four hostages from two separate locations in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, on Saturday. This complex operation involved the IDF, Border Police, and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), recovering Noa Argamani, 26, Almog Meir Jan, 21, Andrey Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 40, from Hamas captivity.

Tragically, Ch. Insp. Arnon Zamora from the Border Police’s Yamam National Counter-Terrorism Unit was mortally wounded during the mission and pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to the hospital.

The four hostages were abducted by Hamas terrorists from the Supernova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im during the October 7 massacre. Argamani, a student at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, was held separately from the three male hostages.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the rescue, stating, “The entire nation salutes the brave fighters who risked their lives today to save lives. Once again, you have proven that Israel does not surrender to terrorism and acts with creativity and courage that knows no bounds to bring home the hostages.”

In a heartfelt phone conversation, Netanyahu spoke with Argamani, who expressed her excitement at returning home. “I’m very excited,” she said. “I haven’t spoken Hebrew in such a long time.” Netanyahu assured her, “We did not give up on you for even one moment. I don’t know if you believed it, but we did and I’m happy that it’s become a reality.”

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Opposition leader Yair Lapid both celebrated the return of the hostages and expressed gratitude towards the security forces. Lapid said, “Noa, Shlomi, Almog, and Andrey: We waited for you, and we are still waiting for everyone. Everyone.”

Argamani’s reunion with her father was emotional, and she later visited her terminally ill mother, Liora, at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center’s Ichilov Hospital.

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum hailed the rescue as a “heroic operation” and urged the Israeli government to continue efforts to free the remaining 120 hostages still held by Hamas.

Footage of a lifeguard in Tel Aviv announcing the rescue to beachgoers, who responded with rapturous applause, quickly went viral, highlighting the nation's relief and solidarity.

Israeli forces have demonstrated unwavering commitment to bringing their citizens home. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about Israel’s efforts and successes in these challenging times.