Israel Rescues 4 Hostages Held in Gaza Since October 7 Hamas Attack
Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israel Security Agency (ISA), and Israel Police have rescued four hostages from central Gaza who have been in Hamas custody since the terrorist group’s October 7, 2023, invasion of Israel.
Noa Argamani, 25; Almog Meir Jan, 21; Andrey Kozlov, 27; and Shlomi Ziv, 40 were abducted from a music festival and held in Gaza since October 7. They have now been reunited with their families. Arnon Zamora, of the Israel Police, lost his life in the mission.
U.S. National Security adviser Jake Sullivan issued a statement, which says, in part:
Today, Israeli security forces conducted a successful operation to rescue four hostages from the grips of Hamas in Gaza. All four were taken from the Nova Music Festival on October 7, and Hamas filmed the horrific abduction of Ms. Argamani for the world to see. Now they are safe and reunited with their families. We commend the work of the Israeli security services that conducted this daring operation.
The United States is supporting all efforts to secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas, including American citizens. This includes through ongoing negotiations or other means.
President Biden, while supporting the efforts, made clear the belief that a ceasefire is in order. “The hostage release and ceasefire deal that is now on the table would secure the release of all the remaining hostages together with security assurances for Israel and relief for the innocent civilians in Gaza.”
I cannot imagine the joy in the hearts of people who are reunited with their loved ones after the horrific events that occurred eight months ago—and, of course, I am most glad that these captives have been set free. It hurts to know that a man lost his life in making this happen, but it reminds me that “freedom is never free.”
Here is a screenshot of a tweet from IDF:
See photos of the ex-hostages reunited with their families, and read more about the rescue at Breitbart News here, here, and here.
I thank God for this joyous day and pray for every single hostage to be returned home safely.