Israel Rescues 2 Hostages From Rafah

Jerusalem, 12 February, 2024 (TPS) -- Two Israeli hostages were rescued from the southern Gaza city of Rafah on Monday morning, the Israel Defense Forces announced.

The hostages were identified as Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and and Louis Har, 70. Hamas kidnapped both men from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak on October 7.

Both are Israeli-Argentine nationals.

The IDF said both are in good medical condition, and were transferred for medical examination at the Sheba Tel Hashomer Hospital in Ramat Gan.

“Along with the prime minister and top commanders I followed the operation from the war room. I offer my full appreciation to the IDF, Shin Bet and the National Counter-Terrorism Unit,” said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant afterward.

At least 1,200 people were killed and 240 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the remaining 134 hostages, Israel recently declared 31 of them dead.