On October 7, during a major assault by Hamas-led militants into Israel that sparked the current Gaza conflict, Qaid Farhan Alkadi was taken hostage. Israeli military forces successfully carried out a “complex rescue operation” in southern Gaza to free him. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari reported that Alkadi’s health was stable, and footage showed him joyfully reuniting with commandos and later with his family and medical staff in an Israeli hospital.
Alkadi, who belongs to Israel’s Arab Bedouin minority, was found alone in an underground tunnel, with the rescue being aided by detailed intelligence. Although the Hostages and Missing Families Forum indicated that Alkadi managed to free himself, Hagari confirmed that Israeli troops conducted the actual rescue. Alkadi later expressed concern about the conditions faced by other hostages, noting their suffering.
Approximately 250 individuals were taken hostage during the initial attack, with over 100 still held by militants, some of whom are feared dead. In addition, Hamas retains two Israeli civilians captured in 2014 and 2015, as well as the bodies of two soldiers from 2014. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum praised Alkadi’s rescue but emphasized the necessity of a broader deal to secure the release or proper handling of the remaining captives.
Israeli Forces Rescue Hostage Qaid Farhan Alkadi Amid Gaza Conflict; Ongoing Hostage Situation and Humanitarian Concerns Persist
The ongoing conflict has led to numerous evacuation orders in Gaza, intensifying humanitarian concerns. The United Nations and relief organizations have criticized the reduction of safe zones, highlighting the challenges faced in delivering aid. Negotiations for a cease-fire, including the potential release of hostages, are moving from Cairo to Doha, Qatar.
Meanwhile, the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion, which was attacked by Houthis last week, is now reportedly leaking oil into the Red Sea. Additionally, Israel conducted a strike on a military vehicle in northeast Lebanon following recent intense exchanges of fire with Hezbollah.
In other developments, White House national security spokesman John Kirby assured that the U.S. is prepared to support Israel against potential Iranian retaliation. The Biden administration has stressed the importance of avoiding further escalation.
Meanwhile, UNICEF plans to initiate polio vaccinations in Gaza, targeting over 640,000 children, following the confirmation of a polio case in the region. Hamas has also called for increased confrontations by Palestinians in the West Bank, urging heightened resistance against Israeli settlers.
