IDF Safely Rescues Two Hostages from Gaza, After 128 Days in Captivity
Fernando Marman and Luis Har were kidnapped from Merman’s sister’s home in southern Israel on October 7th, along with three other family members who were released during November’s hostage deal
Mandi Kogosowski
| 12/02/2024
Luis Har (left) and Fernando Marman (right). Photo: The Hostages and Missing Families Forum’s Facebook page
"In a joint rescue operation of the IDF, the General Security Service, and the National Counter-Terrorism Unit (YAMAM), we rescued Luis Har and Fernando Marman, who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th,” Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, IDF Spokesperson, said in a briefing he gave early this morning (Monday) – incapable of holding back a tiny smile of satisfaction and relief at the joyous news.
Marman (60) and Har (70) were kidnapped from kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, in the Gaza-envelope area, during Hamas’ heinous surprise attack on Saturday morning, October 7th. They were taken from the home of Klara Marman (63) – Fernando’s sister and Har’s partner, with three other family members: Klara herself, Klara and Fernando’s sister Gabriella Leimberg (59), and Gabriella’s daughter, Mia Leimberg (17).
The three women were released from captivity in November, as part of the hostage deal, after 53 days. With them came home Mia’s small dog, Bella, who survived captivity with the family. The image of Mia holding Bella in her arms, surrounded by armed Hamas terrorists, had already gained iconic status.
"This was a complex rescue operation conducted under fire in the heart of a volatile area, based on highly sensitive and quality intelligence from the Intelligence Division and the General Security Service," Hagari added. "It's an operation we've been preparing for some time, making the necessary arrangements and waiting for the conditions that would enable us to execute it.”
At 01:49 am tonight, IDF special forces raided a building in the heart of Rafah, amid airstrikes that provided assistance and cover. The two men were held in the building’s second story and were extracted under fire. They were then airlifted to the Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv, where they reunited with their families. Following a preliminary medical checkup, their situation was reported as good.
134 Israelis – including children, women, the elderly, and people suffering from severe illnesses – are still held hostage by Hamas. Except for Marman and Har, the only hostage rescued following a successful military operation was IDF soldier Ori Magidish, in late November.
Fernando Marman and Luis Har were kidnapped from Merman’s sister’s home in southern Israel on October 7th, along with three other family members who were released during November’s hostage deal
Luis Har (left) and Fernando Marman (right). Photo: The Hostages and Missing Families Forum’s Facebook page
"In a joint rescue operation of the IDF, the General Security Service, and the National Counter-Terrorism Unit (YAMAM), we rescued Luis Har and Fernando Marman, who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th,” Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, IDF Spokesperson, said in a briefing he gave early this morning (Monday) – incapable of holding back a tiny smile of satisfaction and relief at the joyous news.
Marman (60) and Har (70) were kidnapped from kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, in the Gaza-envelope area, during Hamas’ heinous surprise attack on Saturday morning, October 7th. They were taken from the home of Klara Marman (63) – Fernando’s sister and Har’s partner, with three other family members: Klara herself, Klara and Fernando’s sister Gabriella Leimberg (59), and Gabriella’s daughter, Mia Leimberg (17).
The three women were released from captivity in November, as part of the hostage deal, after 53 days. With them came home Mia’s small dog, Bella, who survived captivity with the family. The image of Mia holding Bella in her arms, surrounded by armed Hamas terrorists, had already gained iconic status.
"This was a complex rescue operation conducted under fire in the heart of a volatile area, based on highly sensitive and quality intelligence from the Intelligence Division and the General Security Service," Hagari added. "It's an operation we've been preparing for some time, making the necessary arrangements and waiting for the conditions that would enable us to execute it.”
At 01:49 am tonight, IDF special forces raided a building in the heart of Rafah, amid airstrikes that provided assistance and cover. The two men were held in the building’s second story and were extracted under fire. They were then airlifted to the Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv, where they reunited with their families. Following a preliminary medical checkup, their situation was reported as good.
134 Israelis – including children, women, the elderly, and people suffering from severe illnesses – are still held hostage by Hamas. Except for Marman and Har, the only hostage rescued following a successful military operation was IDF soldier Ori Magidish, in late November.
