At a press conference held today (Tuesday) at 16:15, IDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Daniel Hagari addressed the special operation in which Farhan Al-Qadi was rescued from the Rafah area in the southern Gaza Strip. Al-Qadi, a 53-year-old resident of the outskirts of the Bedouin town Rahat, was abducted from Kibbutz Magen, where he worked, on October 7th, and had been held in captivity 326 days. According to initial reports, special forces from Shayetet 13, Yahalom, and the Shin Bet participated in the operation.
“In a brave and complex operation, IDF forces rescued Kaid Farhan Al-Qadi… Farhan was rescued this morning in a complex and courageous operation by IDF forces, with the assistance of the 162nd Division, from an underground tunnel, using precise intelligence information. While we celebrate the return of Farhan, as every captive is a world unto themselves, 108 captives are still being held in Gaza. We are committed to bringing them all home… This will take time, and you must exercise caution on social media and not reveal details about the operation. For the safety of our captives, for the safety of our forces, and for the security of our country,” said Hagari.
“We need to create the conditions for the return of the captives. This is the role of the IDF. Additionally, we are committed to providing the political leadership and decision-makers with all options and alternatives,” Hagari said in response to a question about advancing a hostage deal. “IDF forces continue to sweep the area and eliminate terrorism, tunnels… the Philadelphi Route. The decisions are in the hands of the political leadership.”
Farhan arrived at Soroka Hospital at around 15:30 in the afternoon, and his health condition is considered stable. His brother, Haitham, met him and noted that he had lost some weight but that his overall condition seemed good. Additionally, Farhan spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
