Three Israeli hostages, Shlomi Ziv, Andrey Kozlov, and Almog Meir Jan, were rescued in a joint operation by the IDF, Israel Police's National Counterterrorism Unit Yamam, and Shin Bet on June 8, 2024. The rescue took place in Nuseirat. The hostages were flown to Sheba Medical Center via helicopter named 'Yasur'. During the operation, IAF soldiers assured the hostages that being in a helicopter was simple and like riding in a car.
The three rescued hostages were among five individuals held captive by Hamas. Noa Argamani was also rescued but in a separate helicopter. The fourth hostage, Arnon Zamora, the counterterrorism unit commando chief who led the operation, was unfortunately killed during the rescue.
The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss a ceasefire proposal and Israel's commitment to it. The US has been advocating for a ceasefire and hostage release since the conflict began.
During their detainment, the hostages were beaten according to Dr. Itai Pessach at Sheba Medical Center.
The rescue operation took place amidst heavy pressure on Netanyahu from both American administration and his ultranationalist base to either wind down the war or vanquish Hamas at all costs.
Israel's successful rescue of the hostages in broad daylight in a crowded urban area restored some of the mystique that Israel's security forces lost following the October 7 attack.
