Israeli Troops Rescue Two Hostages From Gaza Strip

More than four months after Hamas terrorists staged an attack that left an estimated 1,200 Israelis dead, many hostages continue to be held by the militant group in Gaza.

In the wake of an angry and disjointed press conference during which President Joe Biden described Israel’s response to the attack as “over the top,” members of Israel Defense Forces conducted a mission on Sunday that resulted in the safe return of two hostages from the city of Rafah. 

Fernando Marman, 61, and Louis Har, 71, were reportedly rescued and were listed in good condition at an Israeli hospital as of the latest updates available.

Depictions of the military operation included references to air strikes and an explosive entry into a building believed to have contained hostages taken by Hamas. One IDF soldier was reportedly injured and three terrorists guarding the hostages were killed as a gun battle ensued. 

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesperson, described the early-morning mission as “very complex” and noted the difficulty of reaching a target on the second floor of the building.

“The troops pulled Louis and Fernando out of the apartment and rescued them under fire until they reached the safe zone,” he said. “This was a complex rescue operation under fire based on sensitive intelligence.”

Hagari praised the “professional and accurate” actions of those involved, adding: “It was a very tense and very touching night. Such an operation was made possible thanks to the great sacrifice of the standing army and reserve troops who fell and were injured in the battles. Without their sacrifice, we would not have reached this moment.”

He made it clear, however, that there is still a lot of work left to do.

“Even this morning, we don’t forget for a moment that 134 hostages are still being held in Gaza,” he added.

In response to Biden’s recent remarks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his nation’s military action against Hamas.

“I don’t know exactly what he meant by that, but put yourself in Israel’s shoes,” Netanyahu said. “We were attacked — unprovoked attack, murderous attack on Oct. 7. I think we’ve responded in a way that goes after the terrorists and tries to minimize the civilian population in which the terrorists embed themselves and use them as human shields.”