“It’s the best gift anyone could give me” | EUROtoday

En early morning Saturday June 8, on the Israeli military's particular operations headquarters, General Hertzi Halevy, chief of workers, and Ronen Bar, head of Shin Beth (inner safety) gave the inexperienced mild. The operation may start. As far as we all know, in line with Palestinian sources, a truck carrying furnishings supposed for refugees entered a neighborhood of Nusseirat, the massive refugee camp within the heart of the Gaza Strip.

Shortly afterwards, 200 meters aside, two operations befell concurrently. Commandos from particular items of the police, Shin Beth and the military compelled entry to the flats the place the hostages have been held. In one, Noa Argamani, 25 years previous. In the opposite, Almog Meir Jan, 21 years previous, Andreï Kozlov, 27 years previous and Shlomi Ziv, 40 years previous. All 4 have been kidnapped by Hamas throughout the assault on the Nova techno music competition in Reim on October 7, 2023.

Combat helicopters and drones

Hamas forces close by shortly intervened and fired computerized weapons and RPGs in direction of the Israeli commandos and the car that had come to evacuate the hostages. Combat helicopters and drones offered fireplace assist to Israeli items. The armored car hit by an explosion broke down, proper within the heart of Nousseirat. IDF forces deployed close by needed to intervene to evacuate troopers and hostages to the helicopters ready close by on the seaside.

During the trade of fireside, the chief of one of many Israeli commandos was severely injured. Police officer Arnon Zamora, from the Yamam (counter-terrorism) unit, died a short while later in hospital.

Around 12:30 p.m., even earlier than the 4 hostages arrived safely at Tel Hashomer hospital close to Tel Aviv, the rumor unfold like wildfire. When the names of the hostages have been printed, there was celebration within the neighborhoods the place their households reside. Very shortly, the 24-hour information TV channels broadcast the primary photos of the hostages being reunited with their family members. Like Noa Argamani hugged by her father, whose birthday it was. “It’s the greatest gift anyone could give me,” he stated, his eyes cloudy with emotion. Somewhat later, there are photos of Andrey Kozlov hugging his fellow prisoner Almog. Or Shlomi speaking to medical doctors and saying he needs to take a bathe.

“We will bring back all our hostages”

Exception to the rule that an Israeli Prime Minister doesn’t converse throughout the weekly Shabbat break, Benjamin Netanyahu not solely went to Tel Hashomer to satisfy the freed hostages, however he made a short assertion there. He stated he permitted the operation with out hesitation. “This is a day of unprecedented emotion for all citizens of Israel and for me personally,” he stated. Before hammering: “I want to make it clear: we will bring them all back. We are already working to bring back other hostages. We will bring them all back. » Which he repeated in conclusion: “We will bring back all our hostages, one way or another. »

While rejoicing at this release, families of the 120 Israelis still detained in Gaza once again appealed to the government to accept an agreement with Hamas. Einav Zangauker, the mother of Matan, still a prisoner, said: “There are still 120 hostages in the hell of Gaza. The only way to bring them back is through a deal. The Israeli population is with us and is ready to pay the price. That of the end of the war. »

“There are families who cannot, today, share the happiness of the loved ones of those who were released. There is a chance for a deal. The only way to bring them all back and end the war,” stated Merav Svirsky, the sister of Itay Svirsky, killed whereas he was a hostage in Gaza and who was detained for a very long time with Noa Argamani.

Saturday's 4 releases deliver to seven the variety of hostages captured by Hamas on October 7 who have been freed throughout navy operations, out of a complete of 250 civilian and navy hostages taken. Three others have been killed by mistake by the IDF and 105 discovered freedom final November as a part of a prisoner trade with the Islamist group.

According to the Hamas Health Ministry, 210 Palestinians have been killed throughout the Israeli operation on Saturday, together with many kids.