'Golden Hand': IDF special forces rescue 2 hostages in 'daring' overnight operation in Rafah
Following an airstrike, IDF soldiers entered a building in downtown Rafah where they found Fernando Merman and Luis Har and rescued them during a firefight
Israeli special forces overnight rescued two hostages, brothers-in-law Fernando Merman (60) and Luis Har (70), during a complex targeted operation in Rafah, southern Gaza.
The men were kidnapped from Nir Itzhak on October 7, a kibbutz on the Gaza border, along with 3 other family members. Both are said to be in a good health condition.
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According to a statement from the Ministry of Health, the former hostages were transferred to Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv for medical examination and necessary treatment, including psychological support.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari gave a morning press briefing and revealed details of the operation, dubbed "Golden Hand," saying it had been prepared for a long time.
"Following an airstrike, at 1:49 a.m. (local time) the special forces broke into a building in the heart of Rafah, and found Merman and Har on the second floor being guarded by armed terrorists," Hagari said.
A firefight ensued, and Hagari said the soldiers used their bodies to shield the hostages from the gunfire. The air force provided continuous cover for the ground operation, which allowed them to get out of the building. During the operation, one soldier was lightly wounded.
Troops took Fernando and Luis to a safe zone where they underwent an initial medical inspection and were then transferred to Israel by helicopter. Hagari added that the former hostages have already been "excitedly" reunited with their families.
"To the hostages in Gaza, if you can hear me, we will not waste a single opportunity to bring you home," stated Hagari.
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Running the joint operation from military headquarters in Tel Aviv were the IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, head of the Internal Security Agency (Shin Bet) Ronen Bar, and Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai, and Air Force commander Tomer Bar. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant were also present.
The operation, which had been prepared for a long time, was carried out by the Yamam police special forces, an elite IDF unit, and the Shin Bet officers.
The IDF spokesperson also said that since October 7 security forces have worked "endlessly" to prepare operations of this type, and had been waiting for the right conditions to carry it out. "Today, the conditions allowed them to bring those plans to life." He vowed that Israel would continue to try to bring back the hostages in any way possible, including a deal.
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Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saluted the return of the hostages: "Fernando and Luis - Welcome back home."
"I salute our brave warriors for the bold action that led to their liberation. Only the continuation of military pressure until complete victory will result in the release of all our abductees."
"We will not miss any opportunity to bring them home," added the Prime Minister.
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