Israeli Army Announces Two Hostages Freed in Rafah Night Raid
The Israeli Army announced the liberation of two Israeli hostages held by Palestinian resistance in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip, through a nighttime military operation. The operation coincided with intense shelling on the city, resulting in the death of at least 63 Palestinians, including a young girl, and injuring dozens more.
Defense Minister, Yuval Galant, stated that the operation involved the army, special forces from the police, and the General Security Service (Shin Bet), under the supervision of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The mission successfully brought back hostages Fernando Simon Marman (60 years old) and Louis Haar (70 years old).
Galant confirmed that the hostages are in good health and have been transferred for medical examination at Sheba Tel Hashomer Hospital.
Army spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, mentioned that forces conducted a complex operation inside a building, engaging in conflicts with Hamas fighters during the liberation process.
Simultaneously, the Air Force launched a concentrated wave of airstrikes targeting the Shaboura Battalion affiliated with Hamas to enable the forces to transition to the location. As of now, there has been no response from Palestinian resistance to the Israeli announcement.
Hagari emphasized that the army had prepared for the hostage liberation operation based on intelligence, highlighting that the executing forces arrived at the location covertly and received significant support from other forces from the Air Force.
Israeli War Council member, Benny Gantz, stated that Israeli authorities will not cease their efforts until all captives are returned. Similarly, opposition leader, Yair Lapid, underlined the importance of national duty in bringing back the captives, urging action on all fronts until everyone returns home.
In the same context, Israeli President Isaac Herzog pledged to continue employing all means to bring back all captives to their homes.
Abduction of Ben Gvir
In another report, an Israeli official reported the exclusion of National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, from the operation to retrieve captives from Gaza, withholding information from him about the operation. This decision was made despite the participation of the YAMAM Unit, affiliated with the police, in this operation.
The Police Commissioner General, who was overseeing the operation in the war room alongside the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, Chief of Staff, and senior officers, was present while Ben Gvir was excluded.
Kidnapped Hostages Killed
On Monday, the Al-Qassam Brigades stated that the continuous Israeli shelling in Gaza over the past four days had resulted in the deaths of two Israeli captives in the sector and left eight others severely injured.
Al-Qassam Brigades highlighted the worsening conditions of the wounded individuals, due to the inability to provide them with appropriate medical treatment. The responsibility for the lives of the injured Israeli captives was attributed to the Israeli occupation army amid the ongoing shelling and aggression.
Potential Progress
In a related development, an American official mentioned that significant progress in the hostage release deal in Gaza could occur early this week. The official emphasized the existing gaps between Hamas and Israel, stating that all details of the deal need to be finalized.
The official disclosed that President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, spent two-thirds of their 45-minute call discussing negotiations regarding the hostages.
Since October 7th, Israel has waged a devastating war on Gaza, resulting in the deaths and injuries of tens of thousands, mostly children and women. The humanitarian catastrophe has caused immense destruction to the infrastructure, leading Tel Aviv to face charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice.
(This translation was done without AI assistance).
