Jubilation swept through the al-Qadi family and the nation as a whole on Tuesday as Israeli security forces successfully rescued Qaid Farhan Alkadi from Hamas captivity in Gaza. The daring joint operation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security service ended months of anguish for al-Qadi's loved ones. "It's as if he's been born again," exclaimed one elated relative, capturing the family's overwhelming sense of relief and joy.
Video: Family members gather to welcome Qaid Farhan Alkadi at the hospital after being rescued / Creidt: Usage under Article 27a of the Israeli intellectual property law
"We're still in disbelief. We're eagerly awaiting the reunion. It feels like a rebirth," said Fathi, a family member. After speaking with Alkadi, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "I applaud the IDF and Shin Bet for another successful rescue mission. We're working relentlessly to bring all our hostages home. This effort involves two primary strategies: negotiations and rescue operations. Both approaches necessitate our military presence on the ground and sustained pressure on Hamas."
Al-Qadi's cousin, Al-Saleh Fayez, expressed his joy: "We're overjoyed and incredibly excited to see him and embrace him. It's hard to believe until we see him with our own eyes. We can't wait to reunite with him."
Another relative, Fathi, shared his emotions: "It's an incredible feeling. We're anxiously waiting to see him. It still feels surreal. We're counting the moments until his return. It's as if he's been given a second chance at life. Thank God. We're grateful to everyone involved and hope to see him in good health. We're overjoyed by this news." "Committed to exploring every avenue to bring the hostages home"
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant took to social media, saying: "This operation is part of a series of impressive tactical maneuvers that bring us closer to achieving all our war objectives. I want to emphasize: we are committed to exploring every avenue to bring the hostages home."
Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated, "Along with all Israeli citizens, I welcome the rescue of Kayed Farhan al-Qadi, a Muslim Bedouin citizen abducted to Gaza on October 7 by the radical Islamic terror group Hamas. This organization, funded and armed by Iran, kidnapped and murdered both Jews and Muslims on October 7 and during captivity. Israel will spare no effort to bring all hostages home and dismantle the Hamas terror organization."
Video: Qaid Farhan Alkadi meets IDF troops / Video: IDF Spokesperson's Unit
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, posted on social media: "I'm relieved to hear that following a successful rescue operation, Kayed Farhan al-Qadi, abducted to Gaza on October 7 from Kibbutz Magen, has been brought to safety. Congratulations to our security forces for their courageous rescue – welcome home, Farhan." Yuli Edelstein, chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, remarked: "Each individual represents an entire world, and we have many more worlds to bring home. We will pursue this goal with unwavering determination, courage, and wisdom."
Gideon Sa'ar, chairman of New Hope, expressed his sentiments: "Farhan Qadi, we're so glad you're home! I commend the IDF and Shin Bet for this rescue operation. Kudos to the IDF and our security forces!"
