Israeli commandos successfully rescued Bedouin Arab hostage Kaid Farhan Elkadi from an underground tunnel in Gaza, where he was held captive by Hamas since the 7 October attack on Israel. The daring operation, carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet domestic security service, resulted in Elkadi’s safe return to his family.
Elkadi, a father of 11 and grandfather of one, was abducted 10 months ago while working as a security guard at Kibbutz Magen near the Israel-Gaza border. His brother, Hatam, expressed relief and joy at his brother’s rescue, hoping that all hostages would soon experience the same happiness.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally congratulated Elkadi on his rescue, emphasizing the country’s commitment to bringing back all hostages through negotiations and rescue operations. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum hailed the rescue as miraculous but stressed the need for a negotiated deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a significant loss of life, with over 40,430 people killed in Gaza since the October attack. International mediators are working to broker a ceasefire deal that would see the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Despite the challenges and complexities of the situation, Elkadi’s rescue serves as a beacon of hope for the families of other hostages still awaiting their loved ones’ safe return. The international community’s continued pressure on Hamas to accept a proposed deal is crucial in ensuring the release of all remaining hostages and bringing an end to the conflict.
