Israeli forces rescue 52-year-old hostage from Hamas' tunnel in Gaza; eighth live hostage rescue since Oct 7
freed Israeli hostage Kaid Alkadi
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, on Tuesday (August 27), successfully rescued Israeli-Bedouin hostage Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, who had been held by Hamas since October 7.
The daring rescue operation
The operation, which took place in Rafah, was executed by Division 162, Brigade 401, Yahalom anti-tunnel special forces, and the Shayetet 13 naval commandos.
According to the Jerusalem Post, the hostage, identified as 52-year-old Farhan al-Qadi from Rahat, a mainly Arab town, is in good health and is currently undergoing additional health checks at an undisclosed hospital.
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This rescue marks the fourth successful operation to free live hostages from Hamas, though several previous missions have involved recovering the bodies of dozens of hostages killed by the militant group.
Al-Kaadi is the eighth live hostage to be rescued from Gaza. Notably, he is the first live hostage to be rescued from a tunnel, with previous rescues having occurred above ground.
With this, the number of remaining hostages has gone down to 108 from an initial count of 250.
Details regarding the operation, including any confrontation with Hamas forces, have not been shared by the IDF.
Both IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant have praised the operation.
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Halevi in a statement, said, "We do everything we can to save hostages. The IDF and the Shin Bet showed courage, determination, and taking initiative in a complex operation."
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in a statement on X, said "We are committed to seizing every opportunity to bring the hostages back to their homes."
Israeli campaign group the Hostages and Missing Families Forum called al-Qadi's rescue "miraculous" but pushed for a negotiated deal.
"However, we must remember that military operations alone cannot free the remaining hostages who have suffered 326 days of abuse and terror," it said.
Insisting that only a ceasefire could ensure the return of other captives, the campaign group said, "A negotiated deal is the only way forward."
"We urgently call on the international community to maintain pressure on Hamas to accept the proposed deal and release all hostages," it added.
(With inputs from agencies)
