Hamas war: Israeli forces rescue 4 hostages from central Gaza

Israeli forces have successfully rescued four hostages from the central Gaza Strip, the military announced on Saturday. The operation resulted in the safe retrieval of three men and one woman who had been abducted during the Nova music festival on October 7. Following their rescue, the hostages were immediately transported to a hospital for thorough medical examinations.

The army said it rescued Noa Argamani,25, Almog Meir Jan 21, Andrey Kozlov 27, and Shlomi Ziv (40), in a complex special daytime operation in Nuseirat.

The hostages were rescued in two separate locations in the heart of Nuseirat, it said. Hamas kidnapped some 250 hostages during its attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7. About half were released in a weeklong cease-fire in November.

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These rescued one’s were among those taken captive during a series of violent incidents at the Nova festival, which marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The festival, intended to be a peaceful gathering, became a tragic event when armed militants stormed the venue, leading to the kidnapping of several attendees.

The rescue operation is part of Israel’s broader efforts to secure the release of hostages taken by militants. The retrieval of these four individuals represents a critical success amidst the larger, complex conflict and humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. Israeli military operations have been intensified in Gaza to locate and free the remaining hostages while aiming to curb militant activities.

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Israel says more than 130 hostages remain, with about a quarter of those believed dead, and divisions are deepening in the country over the best way to bring them home.

The ongoing captivity and the complex nature of the hostages’ situation continue to deeply impact Israeli society and influence the broader dynamics of the conflict with Hamas.