In an exclusive report, the New York Times has revealed new information about the rescue of Kaied Farhan Al-Qadi from Hamas captivity in Gaza. The details, provided by two senior Israeli officials, shed light on the unexpected nature of the operation.
According to the report, Al-Qadi's discovery was serendipitous. A team led by Israel's elite naval commando unit, Shayetet 13, was conducting a routine search for Hamas operatives in the southern Gaza Strip's extensive tunnel network when they stumbled upon the hostage.
The rescue took place approximately 65 feet underground, where Al-Qadi was found alone in a room, unguarded. This circumstance allowed for a smooth extraction, contrasting with previous, more combative rescue operations.
Initially mistaken for a Hamas member, Al-Qadi was quickly identified as an Israeli hostage. The commandos reported that he appeared significantly weakened and malnourished, unable to climb out of the tunnel without assistance.
The successful mission offers a glimmer of hope for families of other hostages still held in Gaza, while underlining the challenging and unpredictable nature of such rescue efforts.