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WATCH: New footage released marking two years since operation rescuing four hostages from Hamas

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • New footage released by the IDF marks two years since Operation Arnon, which rescued four hostages from Gaza.
  • The high-risk, daylight operation involved the IDF, Shin Bet, and Israel Police's Counterterrorism Unit, resulting in the death of Commander Arnon Zamora.
  • The operation's planning involved complex intelligence gathering and a decision to conduct a simultaneous rescue from two locations.

New footage has emerged marking the second anniversary of Operation Arnon, a daring Israeli rescue mission that freed four hostages from Hamas captivity in Gaza. The operation, which took place on June 8, 2024, saw the simultaneous extraction of Noa Argamani, Shlomi Ziv, Almog Meir Jan, and Andrey Kozlov from two separate locations in Nuseirat, central Gaza.

Today, on my birthday, I’m finally sharing what we’ve protected for over two years.

— Adunni AdeThe actress revealed on Instagram that she had privately welcomed a daughter over two years prior.

The high-risk operation, conducted in broad daylight, was a joint effort by the IDF, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), and the Israel Police's elite Counterterrorism Unit (YAMAM). The newly released footage highlights the unit's actions, including engaging in close-quarters combat with Hamas terrorists until the hostages were secured and forces could disengage. Commander Arnon Zamora, who was mortally wounded during the operation, was honored by having the mission named after him. The footage shows Zamora leading the charge into one of the hostage locations amidst intense fighting.

We chose privacy. Not because we owed anyone secrecy but because peace is priceless, and not everything good needs an audience.

— Adunni AdeAde explained her decision to keep the birth of her daughter private, emphasizing the value of peace and personal enjoyment of blessings.

Operation Arnon was the culmination of months of meticulous planning, with multiple delays to refine intelligence on the hostages' whereabouts and the associated risks. Initially considered for only one hostage, the mission evolved into a simultaneous rescue to prevent Hamas guards from harming the other three if they became aware of an attack. The hostages' location in civilian apartments, rather than tunnels, offered a tactical advantage, though complications arose from some guards being civilians paid to conceal the hostages. The operation was ultimately approved by the war cabinet, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-defense minister Yoav Gallant, just days before execution. The decision to proceed in daylight was made to maximize surprise, despite the increased visibility.

Not every single mother fits your assumptions. Not every story is a scandal. Not every blessing comes with drama attached.

— Adunni AdeThe actress addressed public perceptions and assumptions about single mothers, urging against reducing her experience to speculation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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