Gaza, 8 June 2024 – The Israeli army has freed four hostages held by Hamas in an operation in the center of the Gaza Strip. The IDF made this known, specifying that they are Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv. The four were kidnapped on October 7 during the Hamas attack on the Supernova music festival.
Upon initial medical evaluation, the medical condition of the four appears good, but they have now been taken to hospital for further checks. The operation was conducted by special forces who conducted simultaneous raids on Hamas sites in Nuseirat. In one Argamani was rescued while the other three were found in the second site, we read in the Times of Israel.
Noa Argamani hugs her father again
Noa Argamani, the 25-year-old Israeli kidnapped by Hamas during the Supernova music festival, hugged her father again on the bus that took her to the hospital of Tel Hashomer immediately after being freed, together with three other hostages, in a blitz conducted today by the IDF, Shin Bet and Israeli police. This is what a video posted on social media shows.
Netanyahu to Noa: “We never gave you up for lost”
“We didn’t give you up for lost even for a moment. I don’t know if you believed it, but we believed it and I’m happy that it happened“. This is what Benjamin Netanyahu said in the phone call with Noa Argamani, the 25-year-old Israeli kidnapped by Hamas who became the symbol of the October 7 attacks, which occurred shortly after her release, together with that of 3 other hostages.
“Reconnect with your family, and hug your mother too,” added the Israeli prime minister, speaking to the girl who said she was “very excited” to speak Hebrew again. “In Hebrew and at home this is important“Netanyahu added. President Isaac Herzog also spoke to Noa, telling her that she “embraces her on behalf of the entire nation of Israel.”
The Foreign Minister: “Overwhelmed by joy”
The IDF, ISA and special forces conducted a complex, heroic operation to rescue four hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and bring them home to Israel. We will continue to fight until the 120 hostages are home“. This is what Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on X, stating that the Israelis are “overwhelmed with joy” at the release of the four hostages.
Gantz, resignation postponed?
After the news of the release of the four hostages, the war cabinet minister, Benny Gantz, canceled this evening’s speech, during which, according to all predictions, he would have announced the withdrawal of his party’s support for Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. (Photo: Adnkronos video frame)
