The IDF carried out one of the most complex and daring operations it has known since the war began. In a nighttime rescue operation, the forces succeeded in freeing Fernando Simon Marman (60) and Luis Herr (70), who were kidnapped from Nir Yitzhak on Oct. 7. The two were brought to Israel and are currently undergoing medical examinations at Sheba Hospital, Tel Hashomer.
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The complex operation, which the security forces had been working on for an extended period, was carried out by the Shin Bet operational unit, the Israel Police special counterterrorism force (Yamam), the 7th Armored Brigade, Shayetet 13 Naval Commando, and the Israeli Air Force.
The rescue operation began around 1:00 AM, with the commander of Yamam (who lost his son in battle) in the operations room. The Shin Bet and Yamam forces carried out the operation at the highest professional level, with firing and fire management, courage,e and heroism in the field.
At the start of the mission, the forces came under heavy fire around. As a result, it took the forces time to disengage – because of the heavy fire. Forces from the 7th Brigade accompanied the force, accompanied by Shayetet 13.
Video: The apparent site of the hostage rescue mission / Credit: Arab social media
In the structure the two hostages were evacuated from, terrorists were also hiding. The IDF notes that "the planning was meticulous, with excellent Shin Bet intelligence on the location of the terrorists and hostages." IDF spokesman Daniel Haagri also adds that "every operation has great risks. There were models before the operation. The forces waited for the conditions for the operation."
IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari elaborated in an unusual nightly update reserved for events of this kind, on the details of the unique operation: "There is great complexity in reaching the target in the heart of Rafah. The forces arrived covertly, in a complex operation on the second floor of the building where they were held."
Regarding the operation itself and how it was conducted, he said: "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 with a helicopter that was waiting at a nearby landing pad. The hostages arrived at Sheba, and at this time are meeting their family members."
During the operation, the head of the Shin Bet, the IDF Chief of Staff, the Police Commissioner, the head of the IDF Intelligence Directorate, the head of Ama,n and the commander of the Israeli Air Force were in the ops room. There was a long preparation for the operation, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also arrived at the ops room.
Earlier, from midnight, reports began of extensive and unusual IDF activity in the Rafah area. An operation that concentrated massive artillery fire in an attack on a Hamas brigade in Rafah. Now, with the details of the daring operation revealed, the IDF updates that the large firepower on Rafah is what enabled the rescue operation to be carried out.
Gallant said: "In an impressive rescue operation, the security forces succeeded last night in returning Fernando Marman and Luis Herr, who were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak to Israel. Together with the Prime Minister and senior command, I followed the operation from the ops room – full appreciation to the IDF, Shin Be,t and Yamam forces for an important and quality operation. We will continue to fulfill our commitment to return the kidnapped, in every way."
From Sheba Medical Center it was reported: "Towards morning two Israeli hostages released by our forces from the Gaza Strip arrived at Sheba Medical Center. After an initial medical examination, the condition of the two is defined as good and they are currently in a dedicated area. These are sensitive moments for the families and those returning to Israel. We ask you to respect their privacy and dignity. We are happy about their return home and hope for the return of all the kidnapped. A statement to the media will be issued later."
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The two were part of five family members who were kidnapped to Gaza on that deadly Saturday from Nir Yitzhak, after arriving at the kibbutz to celebrate the birthday of one of the family's daughters. Mia and Gabriela were released from captivity after 53 days. Together with them, Clara Marman was also released.
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