(Cupventi.com) – In a daring operation on Tuesday, Israeli forces rescued Qaid Farhan Alkadi, a 52-year-old Israeli man, from an underground tunnel in Gaza. Alkadi was the first living captive to be freed from Hamas’ extensive tunnel network since the war began on October 7. He was taken to a hospital in Israel, where he was joyfully reunited with his large Bedouin Arab family.
The rescue offered a moment of relief in the ongoing conflict but also underscored the grim reality that dozens of hostages remain in captivity. Alkadi, who had been held for 326 days, was working as a guard at a packing factory in Kibbutz Magen when he was abducted. He was found in a southern Gaza tunnel, suspected to be alongside militants and explosives. The rescue was informed by lessons learned from earlier operations where hostages had tragically been killed by Israeli troops who mistook them for militants.
Alkadi’s rescue marks the first time a hostage has been recovered alive from underground and the eighth to be rescued alive overall. Footage released by the Israeli military showed Alkadi smiling and appearing emaciated as he was transported to a hospital, where his family gathered in celebration. His brother held Alkadi’s infant son, born during his captivity, whom he had not yet met.
Israeli leaders, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, President Isaac Herzog, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressed their relief and commitment to bringing home the remaining hostages. Alkadi’s rescue was hailed as part of Israel’s ongoing military efforts deep inside Gaza, and Netanyahu emphasized that both rescue operations and negotiations would continue to secure the release of all hostages.
Despite the success, the situation remains dire. Israel believes that 108 hostages are still held in Gaza, with more than 40 presumed dead. The war, ignited by the October 7 attack in which Hamas-led militants abducted 250 people, has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians and displaced 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to negotiate a lasting cease-fire and the release of the remaining hostages have so far been unsuccessful.
While Alkadi’s family rejoices in his return, they, along with many others, continue to pray for the safe return of all hostages and a lasting resolution to the conflict.