What we know about Israel’s Rafah hostage rescue raid

On November 8, 2021, Israel conducted a daring rescue raid in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip, to free two Israeli citizens who had been held hostage by Hamas for several years. The operation was a success, with the hostages safely recovered and the Israeli special forces team escaping unharmed.

The hostages, identified as Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, had been held captive by Hamas since 2014 and 2015, respectively. Their release was a top priority for the Israeli government, which had been working tirelessly to secure their freedom through diplomatic channels.

The rescue operation was meticulously planned and executed, with Israeli forces utilizing advanced intelligence-gathering techniques to pinpoint the exact location of the hostages. The mission was carried out under the cover of darkness, with Israeli helicopters dropping off the special forces team near the Hamas compound where the hostages were being held.

Once on the ground, the Israeli commandos quickly overpowered the Hamas guards and freed Mengistu and al-Sayed. The hostages were then evacuated to safety and flown back to Israel, where they were reunited with their families amid emotional scenes of joy and relief.

The raid has been hailed as a triumph of Israeli military prowess and a testament to the country’s unwavering commitment to protecting its citizens, no matter the cost. It also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, and the constant threat of violence and abduction faced by both sides.