IDF rescues two hostages held by terrorists in Rafah since October 7

Two Israeli hostages were rescued from Hamas captivity during the IDF's nighttime operation in Rafah in southern Gaza on February 12.

Fernando Marman (61) from Kfar Saba and Louis Har (70) from Kibbutz Urim had been held hostage since October 7, 2023. Hamas captured them in Nir Yitzhak.

The freed hostages were taken to Sheba Medical Center at Tel HaShomer. They are in stable condition.

The hostages were freed while under the guard of Hamas militants on the second floor of a building in downtown Rafah. During the shootout with the terrorists, one Israeli soldier was lightly injured.

The hostage rescue operation lasted for about an hour. However, gunfire was opened on Israeli troops from neighboring buildings. Air support was employed to neutralize the militants.

The Hamas-run Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip reports approximately 80 killed and 270 injured in Rafah as a result of IDF strikes tonight.

The operation to rescue the hostages involved the Shin Bet and IDF forces, including the Shayetet 13 naval special forces unit, with air support and the 7th Armored Brigade of the 98th Division. The rescued hostages were evacuated by helicopter. The 5515th Special Transport Unit conducted the evacuation.

Defense Minister Yoav Galant commended the actions of the IDF soldiers and Shin Bet personnel involved in the rescue operation.