Two Israeli hostages arrived at Sheba Hospital after they were rescued from Rafah in the Gaza Strip, and brought back to Israel, by a joint IDF, Shin Bet, and Israel Police operation, the IDF announced early Monday morning.
The hostages, Fernando Simon Marman (61) and Luis Norbeto Har (70), were kidnapped by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7 from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak.
The two hostages were rescued as part of an operation that began with heavy IDF airstrikes in the Shabura district in central Rafah.
The IDF also said that the hostages were held on the second floor of a building in the heart of Rafah. The forces entered the building stealthily, as the surrounding apartments were full of armed terrorists.
Additionally, the IAF stopped an attempt by Hamas to hit the rescuers leaving the scene.
The IDF stated that they are both in good medical condition and were transferred for medical examination at the Sheba Medical Center.
Prime Minister Netanyahu responds to the operation
"Fernando and Luis - Welcome back home," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday.
"I salute our brave fighters 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 hostages.
"We will not miss any opportunity to bring them home," he concluded.
Sheba Medical Center also released a statement on the condition of the hostages, saying, "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," the statement continued, "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."President Isaac Herzog stated on X on Monday morning, "Salute to everyone who brought Fernando and Luis home in a daring rescue operation. We will continue to act in every way to return all abductees to their homes."
״אין לך מצווה גדולה כפדיון שבויים״ (הרמב״ם).מצדיע לכל מי שהביא את פרננדו ולואיס הביתה במבצע חילוץ נועז. נמשיך לפעול בכל דרך להשבת כל החטופות והחטופים לביתם.
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) February 12, 2024
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant released a statement on X about the success of the mission:
"In an impressive rescue operation, the security forces managed to return Fernando Marman and Luis Har to Israel tonight, who were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak.
Together with the Commander-in-Chief and the senior command, I followed the operation from the command center - full appreciation to the IDF, Shin Bet and IDF forces for an important operation and quality execution.
We will continue to fulfill our commitment to return the hostages by any means necessary."
במבצע חילוץ מרשים, כוחות הביטחון הצליחו להשיב הלילה לישראל את פרננדו מרמן ולואיס הר שנחטפו מקיבוץ ניר יצחק.יחד עם ראה״מ והפיקוד הבכיר, עקבתי אחר המבצע מהחפ״ק - מלוא הערכה לכוחות צה״ל, שב״כ וימ״מ על פעולה חשובה וביצוע איכותי.נמשיך לממש את מחויבותנו להשיב את החטופים, בכל דרך
— יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) February 12, 2024
Kibbutz and Hostage forum respond
Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak said in reaction: "Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak is excited by the news of the release of Luis Har and Fernando Marman!"
"The two were kidnapped from Clara’s house, a member of the kibbutz, together with members of their family. Clara and her relatives were released, and since then, they have been fighting for the release of Luis and Fernando. Today, we woke up to the exciting news of their return, and we congratulate our beloved Clara, the family members, and, of course, Luis and Fernando! Many thanks to the security forces for the success of the operation. We hope and wish for the quick and safe release of the other hostages."
The Hostage and Missing Families Forum congratulated the IDF for the operation.
However, it added, "The fate of the additional 134 hostages is now in the hands of the Cabinet ahead of the Cairo talk.
"The time of all the other hostages is running out! The fear for their fate is now increasing all the more; Hamas will be reactive, endangering their lives."