“Last night, we brought Louis and Fernando home. In a joint rescue operation by the IDF, the Israel Security Agency, and the Yamam – the special forces unit of the Israel Police, we rescued Louis Har and Fernando Marman, who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th from Nir Yitzhak,” IDF Spokesperson Rr.-Adm. Daniel Hagari said of the dramatic rescue of two Israeli hostages on Monday morning.
“This was a complex rescue operation under fire in the heart of Rafah, based on highly sensitive and valuable intelligence from the Intelligence Directorate and the Israel Security Agency,” said Hagari.
“We have prepared for this operation for some time, with the necessary preparations made and waiting for conditions that would allow its implementation. In the early morning, at 01:49, the special forces breached into a building in the heart of Rafah,” he added.
“On the second floor, Louis and Fernando were held by armed Hamas terrorists, who were present in the building along with terrorists who were in the adjacent buildings.
“From the moment of the breach and entry into the apartment, Yamam forces shielded Louis and Fernando with their bodies, initiating a daring battle and heavy exchanges of fire at several locations simultaneously, with many terrorists.
“By 01:50, aerial fire was activated by the Israeli Air Force and Southern Command, to enable the force’s disengagement and to strike Hamas terrorists in the area,” Hagari stated.
Israeli special forces rescued the two hostages from Hamas early on Monday morning in the heart of the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
The operation freeing two Argentinian hostages from Nir Yitzhak started with dozens of airstrikes against Hamas’s Shabura battalion, so Hamas would not understand the true goal of rescuing the two.
The two were taken to Sheba Medical Center, who stated, “Early in the morning, two Israeli hostages who were freed by our forces from the Gaza Strip arrived at the Sheba Medical Center. After an initial medical examination, the condition of the two is defined as good and stable, and they are now staying in a designated compound.”
At the end of his statement, Hagari also addressed the remaining hostages still held in Hamas captivity. “Alongside the excitement, even this morning after the successful rescue operation, we do not forget for a moment that in Gaza, 134 hostages are still being held,” the spokesman added.
“I want to address you this morning: if you are listening to me, know that we are determined to bring you back home. We will not give up any opportunity to bring you back home.”
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