Israeli hostage Noa Argamani rescued just in time to see her terminally ailing mother
Noa Argamani, a rescued hostage embraces her father, Yakov Argamani
Nine months after 26-year-old Noa Argamani was abducted by Hamas from a music festival-turned-killing field in southern Israel, she returned at a Tel Aviv hospital to see her terminally ill mother. One of the most recognised faces of the 'Bring Them Home' campaign, Argamani was among over 250 people taken captive by Hamas when the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on last October 7. The consequent state of war in Gaza has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with over 36,000 dead.
Argamani's footage of her being taken into Gaza on the back of a motorcycle while pleading for her life and reaching towards her boyfriend being marched along with her on foot went viral all over the world.
Argamani's boyfriend Avinatan Or is still in captivity.
Argamani was rescued on Saturday (June 8), along with three other hostages, in an operation by Israeli special forces from an apartment building in central Gaza.Palestinian officials claimed that Israeli operation to rescue the hostageskilled more than 200 people, a claim which could not be immediately verified.
The hostage rescue operation and an intense accompanying air assault took place in central Gaza's al-Nuseirat, a densely built-up and often embattled area in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
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'I am so happy': Noa Argamani after being rescued
"I'm so happy to be here," Noa said in a phone call with Israel's president upon her return, while surrounded by friends and family.
Noa was later met with cheers upon arrival at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center where her mother, Liora, was being treated for terminal brain cancer.
In October, when her daughter was abducted, Liora, sitting in a wheelchair imagined her reunion with daughter.
"At least to be able to hug her," Liora had said.
Also watch |Israel war: IDF rescues 4 hostages from Gaza
Liora, a cancer patient, is faced witha "complicated and tough" health condition.
"For the last eight months we are trying to keep her in a status that she can communicate," Tel Aviv hospital CEO,Gamzu, where Liora is being treated, said.
Argamani's father, Yaakov, first met her after a military helicopter carried her back to Israel.
"Today is my birthday, and a gift like this I never believed I would get," he said.
More than 360 people were killed during the rampage at the Nova dance festival, and another 40 were taken hostage by Hamas, according to Israeli records.
(With inputs from agencies)
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.