Israeli special forces successfully rescued a 52-year-old Israeli-Bedouin man, Qaid Farhan Alkadi, who had been held hostage by Hamas in southern Gaza since October 7. The rescue mission, described as “complex” by Israeli military officials, took place on Tuesday and involved collaboration between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service.
Alkadi, a father of 11 from the Bedouin city of Rahat in southern Israel, was abducted while working at a packing factory in Kibbutz Magen during the October 7 Hamas attacks. He was discovered in an underground tunnel. The operation to retrieve Alkadi marked the first instance of a hostage being rescued from within Hamas’ extensive tunnel network beneath Gaza.
Following his rescue, Alkadi was reported to be in stable condition and was immediately transferred to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba for further medical evaluation. Videos released by the IDF and Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs show Alkadi smiling and shaking hands with the commanding officer of Shayetet 13, Israel’s elite naval commando unit, which played a role in the operation.
Footage showing Qaid Farhan al-Qadi meeting with the Commander of the 162nd Division, Brigader General Itzik Cohen and the Commander of Shayetet 13, Captain “A” only moments after being Rescued from a Tunnel beneath the Southern Gaza Strip. pic.twitter.com/vTnFPMjAad
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) August 27, 2024
Israeli officials have refrained from disclosing specific details of the mission, citing concerns for ongoing national security and the safety of other hostages. However, the successful operation is seen as a significant achievement in Israel’s ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the operation and reiterated Israel’s commitment to both negotiations and military operations to return all hostages.
Alkadi is the eighth hostage rescued alive by Israeli forces since the conflict began, and his rescue has been celebrated by his family and the Hostages Families Forum, a group advocating for the release of those still held in Gaza.
Family Members of Al-Qadi running to him, after his arrival at Soroka Medical Center in the City of Beersheba. pic.twitter.com/BFIzODDXxS
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) August 27, 2024
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