Jerusalem, Israel – In a daring rescue operation, the Israel Defense Forces announced the successful extraction of four Israeli hostages who were kidnapped by Hamas during the Nova music festival. The hostages, identified as Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrei Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv, were freed in a joint operation with the Israel Securities Authority and Israel Police in Nuseirat, central Gaza.
The hostages, rescued from separate locations, were reported to be in good health and were promptly transferred to the Tel-HaShomer Medical Center for medical evaluations. The IDF described the rescue mission as a complex daytime operation that required careful planning and execution.
Unfortunately, the operation resulted in casualties on the Palestinian side, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting multiple deaths and injuries, including children. The Al-Aqsa hospital in Gaza is reportedly overwhelmed with the influx of patients, struggling to provide adequate care due to limited resources.
Among the rescued hostages, Noa Argamani, a Chinese-born Israeli citizen, was captured on video being taken away on a motorbike during the festival. Heart-wrenching footage of her reunion with her father after the rescue operation was aired, showcasing the emotional aftermath of the harrowing ordeal.
Andrei Kozlov, a Russian immigrant to Israel, was working as a security guard at the festival when he was abducted. Almog Meir Jan attempted to flee the scene with a friend but was stopped shortly after they began driving. Shlomi Ziv, who was part of the festival’s security team, managed to maintain contact with his family during the attack, according to an interview with The Times of Israel.
The successful rescue of the hostages brings hope and relief to their families and the nation as a whole. As Israel continues to navigate security challenges in the region, the bravery and dedication of the Israeli Defense Forces in executing this operation demonstrate their commitment to protecting their citizens.