IDF forces conducted a daring raid on Saturday in the Nuseirat Refugee Camp in the Gaza Strip culminating with the successful rescue of hostages held by Hamas since Oct. 7.
The raid took place in two separate apartments and under heavy fire from Palestinians, after actionable intelligence could be confirmed over the past several days.
Video: Noa Argamani reunited with her family / Credit: Courtesy
The hostages were Noa Argamani, Andrey Kozlov , Almog Meir Jan and Shlomi Ziv. All four were taken hostage during the deadly attack on the Nova Rave on Oct. 7 near Kibbutz Re'im.
Video: Noa Argamani, her father Yaakov and a fighter who rescued her and other hostages / Credit: IDF
One IDF soldier was hurt during the operation and was being treated for his severe injuries and later died from his wounds.
Video: The IDF announces the results of the operation / Credit:X/@idf
The IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari said multiple agencies and forces joined the IDF in the operation, including the Shin Bet security agency and the Israel Police's special counterterrorism unit, Yamam. The operation – at the heart of a civilian population – was in the works for weeks. Two helicopters were involved: The first for Noa Argamani and the second for the other three, while IDF forces were under constant fire.
Cheers on Tel Aviv beaches as the lifeguards announce the release of four hostages. This is the Israel I love. pic.twitter.com/cw9OeN1A7M
— Fania Oz-Salzberger
פניה עוז-זלצברגר (@faniaoz) June 8, 2024
Argamani's horrific kidnapping on Oct. 7 was filmed by terrorists, who spread the disturbing footage showing here pleading "Don't kill me" as she was violently being held by on a motorcycle and outstretching her hand toward her boyfriend, who was also taken captive.
Video: The daring rescue / Courtesy
Before the news came out, the IDF made an announcement of a rare and intense military operation on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a comprehensive assault on the central Gaza Strip's Nuseirat area. Palestinian reports indicate that the IDF was conducting attacks from air, sea, and land, resulting in numerous casualties.
Noa Argamani (25), Almog Meir Jan (21), Andrey Kozlov (27), and Shlomi Ziv (40) were rescued in a special operation by the IDF, ISA and Israel Police from 2 separate locations in the heart of Nuseirat after being kidnapped by Hamas from the Nova music festival.
They are in good… pic.twitter.com/PnkjL4GRQz
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 8, 2024
Hamas officials reported an extensive offensive that included bombardments from tanks, helicopters, drones, and fighter jets. According to these reports, dozens of Palestinians have been killed or injured in the attacks. Palestinian sources also claim that an IDF "special force" entered the Nuseirat market.
Earlier, an IDF spokesperson confirmed the operations, stating that "the IDF is targeting terrorist infrastructure in the area." Palestinian sources report at least 15 fatalities and dozens of injuries from the strikes, with additional casualties resulting from exchanges of fire between security forces and terrorists.
Arab media outlets also reported that Israeli security forces surrounded the Al-Daawa school in northern Nuseirat refugee camp, with intense gunfire exchanges being reported.
Several weeks ago Hamas released a recording in which Argamani's voice pleads with Israelis to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, accusing it of being willing to let the captives die. "Please, don't let Netanyahu and the government kill us," the voice says. "Save us. Time is running out," referring to the 125 hostage still being held.
In the video, Argamani addresses the people of Israel "Go out into the streets, men and women, block the streets of Tel Aviv, and don't go home until we return." Argamani's voice is also heard saying, "Do you support the Netanyahu Gallant and Gantz government?" referring to the three members of the War Cabinet: Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Minister without Portfolio Benny Gantz.
