Two hostages, Louis Haar and Fernando Marman, have been successfully extracted by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in a joint operation conducted in Rafah, according to IDF spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Lerner. Lerner confirmed that the hostages are in good condition and are currently receiving medical care on Israeli soil.
The operation to rescue the hostages was complex and required breaching the residential building where they were being held. The IDF had to engage and neutralize the terrorists responsible for their captivity. However, Lerner denied the claim made by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society that 100 civilians lost their lives during the operation. He stated that he wouldn't accept figures released by Gaza and that there is a broad range of conflicting numbers being reported.
Lerner emphasized that the primary goal of the operation was to bring the hostages home safely and highlighted that there are still 134 Israelis held captive by Hamas. He asserted that these hostages must be released unconditionally and called for the dismantling and destruction of Hamas as a governing authority.
Responding to allegations that the IDF strategically timed the operation in Rafah to coincide with the Super Bowl in order to divert attention, Lerner vehemently dismissed the claims as cynical and ridiculous. He reiterated that the war between Israel and Hamas was initiated by Hamas, and the IDF is responding with force to protect the Israeli people and dismantle the terrorist organization's capabilities. He emphasized the need to prevent Hamas from having control over the government.
Regarding the possibility of higher civilian casualties in a potential ground invasion in Rafah due to the presence of a large displaced population, Lerner assured that the IDF has proven its ability to evacuate civilians from combat zones. He acknowledged the concern raised by allies but stated that the IDF's role is to distinguish between civilians and combatants, while Hamas consistently puts the people of Gaza at risk by fighting from behind civilian cover.
Addressing the issue of gathering intelligence from rescued hostages, Lerner stated that their mental and physical well-being is the top priority. He mentioned that previous hostage releases have provided valuable information about Hamas's tunnel systems and dungeons. He also mentioned the recent discovery of Hamas databases containing additional intelligence about the organization's network and capabilities.
In response to critics suggesting that this successful operation relieves pressure to make a hostage deal with Hamas, Lerner stressed that the IDF is constantly increasing pressure on Hamas to create conditions for hostage releases, whether through operations or diplomacy.
Lerner confirmed that the IDF is currently investigating an incident involving the death of Hind Rajab, a Palestinian girl who was reportedly trapped in a car in southwest Gaza. The IDF is looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident and expressed condolences for the tragedy involving civilians and medical staff.
Overall, Lerner's statements highlighted the ongoing efforts of the IDF to bring home all Israelis held by Hamas while ensuring the safety of civilians and combatants amid a complex and challenging conflict.
