Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met today, Monday, with Israeli forces involved in an operation that resulted in the rescue of two hostages held by Hamas, congratulating them on the "amazing results" they achieved. Gallant stated that this operation marks a turning point, asserting that Hamas is vulnerable and realizes that we can reach anywhere with any force, according to the Israeli newspaper "Times of Israel."
During his meeting with the special forces that participated in the operation, the Israeli Defense Minister said, "You have enabled the citizens of Israel to catch their breath, and there will be more operations."
Earlier on Monday, Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari announced that special forces had stormed a building in the center of Rafah, where two hostages were held under Hamas guard, and they were freed after intense gunfire. The two hostages are the first civilians that Israeli forces have managed to release since the attack carried out by Hamas.
Hagari stated that the Israeli army had been preparing for the rescue operation for some time, waiting for the right moment. He explained that the hostages, aged 60 and 70, were held on the second floor of the building, and that other armed individuals were present in nearby buildings. Israeli security forces stood in front of the hostages to protect them and then exchanged heavy gunfire.
According to Hagari, who posted on Telegram, it was "a complex rescue operation under fire in the heart of Rafah, based on highly sensitive and valuable intelligence." Just one minute after storming the building, the Israeli air force began attacking the Rafah area to allow the forces to withdraw. The Israeli army spokesperson noted that the two hostages were evacuated from the building amid intense gunfire. The rescue of the hostages was part of an operation that began with the Israeli military conducting extensive airstrikes in the Shaboura area of Rafah, according to the Jerusalem Post.
