Israeli forces conducted rescues this morning in Rafah, the southern tip of the Gaza Strip. two Argentine-Israeli hostages, Fernando Simón Marman, 60, and Norberto Louis Har, 70, both were kidnapped on October 7th at Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak. “Both are in good health and were taken to Sheba Tel Hashomer Hospital for medical examination,” said a joint statement from the army, police and Shin Bet intelligence agency, the three forces involved in the operation.
“I am very pleased to announce that the two released hostages landed here this evening at the Sheba Medical Center, the largest hospital in Israel, where they were admitted to the emergency room and our staff carried out initial examinations,” reported Dr . Arnon Afek. , hospital director. “They are in a stable condition and are being cared for,” he added of the two hostages, both brothers-in-law, as young people who emigrated to Israel from Argentina and were kidnapped together on October 7 at the Nir Yitzchak kibbutz, in the proximity of the strip.
In a statement, the families of both hostages said they were “very excited” about their return after 129 days in captivity, but asked for privacy and time for both to adjust to their new reality. Fernando Simón Marman and Norberto Luis Har were taken hostage along with Clara Marman, 62 years old, Fernando’s sister and Norberto’s partner; next to his sister Gabriela Leimberg, 59, and her daughter Mia Leimberg, 17.
Both the Leimbergs and Clara Marman were released on November 28 as part of a temporary week-long ceasefire deal brokered by Qatar and the United States between Hamas and Israel, which allowed for the exchange of 105 hostages for 240 Palestinian prisoners. Mia Leimberg attracted media attention when she was released along with her dog Bella, who accompanied her during her abduction and captivity in the Gaza Strip.
“Fernando and Luis, welcome home and a warm hug to the families. I support the soldiers and commanders of the Israeli Security Forces and congratulate them on the heroic operation in Rafah. “We will continue to do everything possible until all abductees are returned to the captivity of the murderous terrorist organization,” Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.
This is Israel’s second successful hostage rescue after soldier Ori Megidish was captured alive in late October when the ground operation in the Gaza Strip began. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also congratulated the armed forces on the night’s operation in Rafah, citing the words of the medieval Jewish scholar Maimonides: “There is no greater mitzvah than the redemption of the prisoners.” “I greet everyone who Fernando and Luis in brought home in a courageous rescue operation. “We will continue to use all means possible to ensure that all hostages are returned to their homes,” Herzog added.
In addition to the three hostages rescued alive – two today – and 11 bodies of kidnapped people who died in captivity, 110 were released by Hamas, 105 of them under the only ceasefire agreement reached in November. There are still 130 hostages kidnapped on October 7 remaining in the Gaza Strip, of whom around thirty are estimated to be dead; in addition to four prisoners Hamas had held in the enclave for years, including two dead soldiers.
