Kaid Farhan Al-Kadi was rescued last night (Tuesday) by IDF forces in an operation targeting underground tunnels in Gaza. Initial reports indicated that the IDF was not aware of any hostages being held there and that the operation was a routine activity against Hamas militants. However, further details have now been published by *Ma'ariv*.
Al-Kadi was held in a tunnel at a depth of 30 meters, which was a large tunnel with a particularly high number of rooms, passages, and levels. The Shin Bet's intelligence indicated a high probability that live hostages were being held in the tunnel, prompting the rescue operation to begin several days before the forces reached Farhan.
Under intelligence guidance, the Southern Command was required to plan a highly complex raid involving several actions by the forces. Firstly, they needed to map out the tunnel and its many branches in advance. They conducted a limiting maneuver both on the ground and underground. The IDF aimed to force Hamas militants to abandon the tunnel and move to the surface area.
Additionally, the Yahalom Unit of the Combat Engineering Corps and the Shayetet 13 naval commando unit had to operate with extreme care and slowness due to concerns about harming live hostages. On the other hand, there was information that the militants had booby-trapped parts of the tunnels. As a result, a unique operation was required, which lasted several days until they reached the hostage.
