Israel has successfully rescued another hostage held captive by Hamas since the October 7 terrorist attack.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) announced on Tuesday that Qaid Farhan Alkadi was rescued from Gaza and brought back to his family in Israel.
“The IDF and ISA have rescued Qaid Farhan Alkadi from Gaza where he was held hostage, and brought him to his family in Israel. This operation was part of the IDF’s daring and courageous activities conducted deep inside the Gaza strip,” said Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant.
“This operation joins a series of actions taken by the IDF that bring us closer to achieving the goals of this war,” Gallant continued. “I would like to reiterate and emphasize: Israel is committed to taking advantage of every opportunity to return the hostages home to Israel.”
Alkadi, a resident of Rahat, was reportedly rescued by a joint force of Israeli soldiers, including members of the 401st Brigade, 162nd Division, and Shayetet 13.
Members of the engineering unit Yahalom and intelligence operatives from the Israel Security Agency also participated in the rescue operation.
Alkadi, 52, had been held captive in Gaza for almost a year. No further details regarding the rescue operation are being disclosed “due to considerations of the safety of our hostages, the security of our forces, and national security.”
He is currently undergoing medical care and health checks at a hospital. Alkadi is in stable condition. His family has been informed of his recovery and is being accompanied by IDF personnel to meet with him.
“Welcome home, Farhan Kadi,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “I congratulate the IDF and Shin Bet on another successful rescue operation. We work tirelessly to return all of our hostages.
“We do this in two main ways: through negotiations and rescue operations,” Netanyahu continued. “Both ways together require our military presence on the ground, and unceasing military pressure on Hamas. We will continue these efforts until we bring everyone home.”
Following Alkadi’s rescue, 108 Israeli hostages remain under the control of terrorists in the Gaza Strip. 36 are confirmed dead.
The vast majority were taken during the conflict last year and have been held for over 320 days.
Digital’s Yonat Friling contributed to this report.