Israeli forces have rescued a hostage alive from Hamas captivity the IDF announced in a statement.
Arab-Israeli Qaid Farhan Alkadi, 52, from the Bedouin Negev city of Rahat, was rescued from a tunnel in southern Gaza in a “complex operation” by the Israel Defense Forces. He was alone at the time of his rescue.
Alkadi’s brother said, “We are very happy to receive this news. It is better than having a new child. Thank you so much, everyone. We look forward to seeing him in good health,” in an interview with the Israeli television network Kan.
Farhan before his abduction by Hamas.
The Jewish News Service reports the military as saying the father of 11 is in stable condition and was undergoing medical testing at Soroka Hospital in Beersheva.
He was held in captivity for 326 days since being abducted by Hamas from his community on Oct. 7.
His rescue leaves the number of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza at 108, including 104 of the 251 hostages taken on Oct. 7—34 of whom are known to be deceased, according to the military.
A video posted to Twitter captured the moments his family ran through the hospital compound on their way to meet him.
IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a statement, “We will not be able to publish everything about the rescue” to, among other things, protect the security of the hostages still in the hands of Hamas.
Family members of rescued hostage Kaid Farhan al-Qadi run to greet him in hospital.
IDF troops rescued Al-Qadi from the tunnels of Gaza earlier today. pic.twitter.com/djmPqqijzr
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) August 27, 2024
“The wonderful news of his return is a sign of light among the darkness for the families of the hostages and the people of Israel,” said the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group advocating for the return of the abductees.
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“We wish to thank the wonderful forces of our IDF who helped Qaid return home safely,” the forum said, adding that a ceasefire agreement “is the only way to secure the return of the remaining 108 hostages—the living for rehabilitation and the murdered for proper burial.”
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant commented on the rescue operation, saying, “Within the bold and determined operations of the IDF and ISA forces deep in the Gaza Strip, our fighters succeeded in rescuing Kadi and returning him to his family in Israel. This operation joins a series of impressive operational activities, bringing us to achieve all the goals of the war.”