Noa Argamani, recently freed from Hamas captivity, has spoken publicly for the first time since her release, touching hearts across Israel. In a video message played at a rally marking 267 days since the Oct. Hamas onslaught, Argamani expressed her deep concern for her parents during her ordeal and conveyed gratitude for the overwhelming support her family received.

The families of the hostages gathered Saturday evening for a rally that opened with a recorded video of Argamani, who was freed in a military operation on June 8 along with three other captives: Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv.

Video: Noa Argamani speaks for the first time since being rescued / Hostages and Missing Families Forum

"I am Noa Argamani. I was taken to Gaza on Oct. 7. Hamas held me for eight months until security forces rescued me on June 8," Argamani began. "As an only child with a mother facing a terminal illness, my greatest worry during captivity was for my parents. After 246 days in Hamas captivity, it's a profound privilege to be here, to be near my mother after eight months of uncertainty, and to see my parents surrounded by so much support."

Argamani expressed heartfelt gratitude to the security forces responsible for her rescue, specifically acknowledging the sacrifice of the Yamamnational counter-terrorism unit fighter Arnon Zmora, who lost his life during the operation. "I extend my thanks to our security forces and army – the soldiers, reservists, and everyone who participated in the rescue, risking their lives for my return. My heart goes out to Arnon Zmora's family. He fell during the operation that freed me and three others. Arnon is a hero of Israel; we are here because of him."

She continued, "I'm deeply grateful to my family, friends, and all who amplified our voices when we couldn't speak. To everyone who supported my family and gave of themselves during this long ordeal – it's deeply moving to return home and learn of all the good people who helped. I must use this platform to remind everyone that 120 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, including my partner, Avinathan Or, from whom I was separated at the moment of capture."

Noa Argamani concluded with a poignant commitment to those still held captive. "Though I'm home now, I can't forget those who remain in Hamas captivity. We must do everything possible to bring them back. I wish for quieter days ahead for all of us, surrounded by family, friends, and good people. Most importantly, may we learn to love rather than hate."

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A night-time operation in the Jenin refugee camp on Wednesday resulted in the death of Captain Alon Sacgiu, 22, from Hadera, a sniper team commander in the Haruv reconnaissance unit. Seventeen additional soldiers were injured when they encountered explosive devices, with ten sustaining light injuries and seven in moderate condition.

As forces entered the refugee camp, engineering units cleared the path using specialized equipment. A medical evacuation vehicle carrying troops from the Haruv commando unit was traveling along this route when it triggered an explosive device, believed to have been buried approximately 1.5 meters underground. The resulting explosion injured several soldiers. The battalion's sniper team commander and six other soldiers who arrived to evacuate the wounded were then hit by a second explosive device.

Since the start of the Gaza War on Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli security forces have been conducting intensive counter-terrorism activities in refugee camps. In the Jenin refugee camp alone, more than 25 large-scale operations have been carried out. Despite precautionary measures, including the use of bulldozers to expose hidden explosives, two explosions occurred from devices buried deep in the ground. The IDF is investigating the incident. It appears that these devices were planted at such depths that they went undetected during the initial route-clearing process.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Captain Sacgiu and the injuries sustained by our soldiers," said an IDF spokesperson. "Our forces remain committed to rooting out terrorism and protecting Israeli citizens, even in the face of such dangerous and challenging circumstances."

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It came as no surprise to Israel's political and security establishments when Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas threatened on Thursday night to cancel the Palestinian legislative elections scheduled for May 22 over Israel's refusal to allow east Jerusalem Palestinians to vote in them.

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Israel was already working under the assumption that Abbas would use Israel's lack of response to his request that Palestinian residents in the east of the capital be allowed to participate in the elections as a pretext to cancel them. However, it appeared that Abbas had attempted to soften his criticism of Israel by claiming that the government had not responded to his request on the matter because there was no government in place that could do so.

"European Union representatives confirmed to us that that Israeli side is not allowing elections to be held in east Jerusalem. The Europeans said there is no use, and the Israelis will never allow elections. Our true response to Israel's refusal is that no one will laugh at us. This is idle chatter that will not work with us," Abbas said Thursday.

"We sent the Palestinian foreign minister to Europe, and we said we are waiting for an answer from the Israelis on the holding of elections in east Jerusalem. We issued presidential decrees, and we waited for a response to holding them [the elections] in Jerusalem, and we got no answer," he continued.

Abbas also accused Israel of attacking political activists in east Jerusalem and preventing them from campaigning there.

"These events that the entire world saw showed that our great people can take on the occupation forces and its intentions of occupation. The world saw the violence of the Israeli government and the settlers, those who called 'Death to Arabs.' I say 'no' to those who claim a unified Jerusalem is the Israeli capital," the PA leader declared.

Israel's security apparatus was waiting Thursday to gauge the Palestinian public's response to Abbas' announcement, and security officials are not ruling out a possibility that Hamas, which will be disappointed if the elections are cancelled, will renew the violent weekly riots at the Gaza border fence, or even regular rocket attacks against Israel. The IDF is also prepared for possible rioting in Judea and Samaria, as well as renewed lone-wolf terrorist attacks.

The security establishment is hoping for a negligible response from the Palestinian public, but the IDF's Southern and Central Commands are also ready for massive backlash, and expect this weekend to serve as a test case for security developments in the Palestinian arena.

Israel is hoping that the Palestinian front will remain relatively calm in light of the ongoing challenges presented by Hezbollah and Iran in the North. This was one of the reasons why, after terrorist factions in the Gaza Strip fired over 40 rockets at Israel last week, Israel's response was limited and mainly focused on restrictions to the Gaza fishing zone. On Thursday morning, Israel announced that those restrictions had been revoked.

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