On Tuesday, August 27, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) announced the successful rescue of Qaid Farhan Alkadi, a hostage who had been held in Gaza since the October 7 terrorist attack.
Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant confirmed the operation, stating, “The IDF and ISA have rescued Qaid Farhan Alkadi from Gaza where he was held hostage, and brought him to his family in Israel. This operation was part of the IDF’s daring and courageous activities conducted deep inside the Gaza Strip.”
Gallant emphasized the significance of the rescue, adding, “This operation joins a series of actions taken by the IDF that bring us closer to achieving the goals of this war. I would like to reiterate and emphasize: Israel is committed to taking advantage of every opportunity to return the hostages home to Israel.”
Alkadi, a 52-year-old from Rahat, was rescued by a joint force including members of the 401st Brigade, 162nd Division, and Shayetet 13, along with the engineering combat special-ops unit Yahalom and intelligence operatives from the ISA. Details about the operation’s specifics remain undisclosed for reasons related to the safety of hostages, security of forces, and national security.
Currently, Alkadi is receiving medical care and undergoing extensive health checks in the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. His family has been notified of his rescue and is being assisted by IDF personnel to reunite with him.
Following this operation, 108 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, with 36 confirmed dead. The majority of these hostages were captured during the October 7 attacks, and many have now been held for over 320 days.
