It’s the kind of story that Hollywood script writers love to turn into an emotional action movie. Only this is real, not fictionalized script. It’s the type of encouraging news that the Israeli public longed to hear during the last few months since the murderous onslaught of Black Saturday.

A bold, complex joint operation between the IDF, the Israeli Security Forces, an Armored Brigade, a commando unit, Israeli Police special counter-terrorism force and the Israeli Air Force, succeeded last night in freeing two elderly male hostages being held by Hamas forces in the al-Shabura refugee camp, north of Rafah city in southern Gaza, near the Egyptian border. In a difficult fire-fight between Israeli forces and Hamas terrorists, one Israeli soldier was lightly wounded. 

This was actually the second time that the IDF was able to free a live hostage from Hamas captivity inside of the Gaza Strip, the first time being on October 30, when Private Ori Megidish was freed in the northern part of the Strip.

The two elderly men were abducted by Hamas and other terrorists from the Nir Yitzhak community on October 7th and have been held in captivity for over four months. Last night, shortly after midnight, the consolidated Israeli forces succeeded in freeing them.The IDF related that “the planning was meticulous, with excellent Shin Bet [Security Forces] intelligence on the location of the terrorists and hostages.” Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the IDF Spokesman, added that “every operation has great risks. There were models before the operation. The forces waited for the conditions for the operation…There is great complexity in reaching the target in the heart of Rafah [Rafiah]. The forces arrived covertly, in a complex operation on the second floor of the building where they were held.” He also described the conduct of the operation: “A breach is made into the building, there are guards at the entrance and inside the house. The forces storm in a hot breach, the door was locked. At the same time, fire was activated from the ground and air. The two men, aged 61 and 70, were pulled out of the apartment, at the same time as heavy aerial fire, accompanied by an attack on many Hamas targets, thus allowing the force to exit the building…During the operation, one soldier was lightly injured, not from fire. The force disengages contact and arrives at a landing pad [where] a helicopter … was waiting…..” 

Rear Admiral Hagari added: “From the moment of the breach and entry into the apartment, Yamam [the special counter-terrorism unit] forces shielded Louis and Fernando [the two hostages] with their bodies, initiating a daring battle and heavy exchanges of fire at several locations simultaneously, with many terrorists…The troops pulled Louis and Fernando out of the apartment and rescued them under fire, [escorting them-insertion in original] until they reached the safe zone…It was a very tense and very touching night. Such an operation was made possible thanks to the great sacrifice of the standing army and reserve troops who fell and were injured in the battles. Without their sacrifice, we would not have reached this moment.” 

Immediately after they were rescued from the building, the two men were transferred by the fighters to vehicles that were waiting for rescue in the narrow alleyways of the refugee camp and from there they were quickly driven to a makeshift airstrip, where a rescue helicopter was waiting for them that flew them to the Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer, where they underwent examinations. 

From Sheba Medical Center it was reported: “Early in the morning, two Israeli hostages who were freed by our forces from the Gaza Strip arrived at the Sheba Medical Center. After an initial medical examination, the condition of the two is defined as good and stable, and they are now staying in a designated compound…These are sensitive moments for the families and for the returnees to Israel…We ask to maintain their privacy and dignity. We are happy for their return home and wish for the return of all the abductees. A media statement will be issued later. We will continue to update.”

The rescue operation in Rafiah lasted about an hour and was accompanied by massive fire power from both the Israeli Air Force and special ground forces. If Israel had listened to the many voices urging them not to press on into Rafiah, the two hostages who were released last night would still be held by Hamas, instead of being home with their families.

There is no question that the heroic and successful rescue operation inside Rafiah, a Hamas stronghold, is a moment of morale building and encouragement, both for the IDF, as well as for Israel as a whole. Yair Lapid, the leader of the Opposition in the Knesset, joined in the praises of the accomplishment of this heroic operation: “A morning with a little light, amid the pain and difficulty.”

 The hostages, as well as the Hamas terrorists, are dispersed throughout the Gaza Strip. Last night’s operation will undoubtedly cause the remaining hostages to be kept under heavy guard. Nevertheless, we should never allow the difficulty to prevent us from pressing on to accomplish what needs to be done.

Members of the IDF, both soldiers and officers alike, are highly motivated to defeat Hamas and to free the hostages, even at the risk of their own lives. That was demonstrated many times over and again last night. We need to continue to pray for them that God will grant them wisdom and strength, discernment and boldness, skill and exactitude, that with His guiding Hand, there will be more successful operations, similar to the one last night. This operation was called “The Golden Hand”. Indeed, there was an unseen, but ever-present, Hand of the One who has called, formed and established Israel to be here and remain where He has planted us. He will not leave us, nor forsake us, and we will not be moved!

Joshua then said to them, “Do not fear or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies with whom you fight.” (Joshua 10:25)

Bless, be blessed and be a blessing.

Marvin