In a daring and complex operation, four Israeli hostages were rescued from captivity in the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces on June 8, 2024. The hostages — Noa Argamani, 25; Almog Meir Jan, 21; Andri Kozlov, 27; and Shlomi Ziv, 40 — had been held by Hamas since the October 7 attacks that triggered the ongoing conflict.
The rescue mission took place in Nuseirat, central Gaza, and was conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Israel Securities Authority, and the Israel Police. This successful operation marks the first rescue of hostages since two others were freed in February.
Following the announcement of the successful operation, celebrations erupted across Tel Aviv, with lifeguards spreading the news to beachgoers. Emotional scenes included Argamani embracing her father in a moment captured and broadcast by Israel News 12.
Argamani’s mother, who is battling brain cancer, had been fervently praying for her daughter’s safe return.
The freed hostages are reported to be in good health and are currently receiving care at Tel HaShomer hospital in central Israel. Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both spoke with Argamani after her rescue. President Herzog expressed gratitude on behalf of the Israeli people, stating in an X post, “On behalf of the entire people of Israel, I thank the IDF, the Shin Bet, the Israel Police, and the Israel Defense Forces for an impressive and daring rescue operation, and I wish for the speedy return of all our abductees to their families. Israel Lives!”
This rescue operation is the largest single recovery of hostages captured by Hamas to date, bringing the total number of rescued hostages to seven. Despite this success, approximately 130 hostages remain in Gaza, with their conditions uncertain due to the harsh realities of captivity.
The rescue has provided a glimmer of hope amid the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the relentless efforts of Israeli forces to bring their citizens home safely.
