An Israeli hostage captured by militants affiliated with Hamas during the insurgent attack on October 7 has been rescued through a “complex rescue operation” conducted in southern Gaza, as stated by the Israeli military on Tuesday.

Military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari reported that the rescued individual, identified as Alkadi, is in “normal” medical condition and has been taken to a hospital for additional examination.

According to Hagari, Alkadi was located in an underground tunnel in Mahrat due to extensive intelligence efforts. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum revealed that Alkadi, age 52 and part of Israel’s Arab Bedouin community, managed to escape from Hamas and reached Israeli forces.

Over 200 individuals were captured during the attack led by Hamas, with more than 100 still believed to be held captive, and many are thought to be deceased. The forum, which has often criticized the Israeli government’s approach to negotiations for hostage releases, expressed gratitude for Alkadi’s rescue but emphasized the importance of reaching a deal to free the remaining hostages.

“Qaid’s return is truly miraculous,” the statement noted. “His return brings hope amidst the darkness for families of hostages and for the people of Israel.”

Latest Updates:

∎ Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the rescue as “a joyous occasion for Israel and for the Israeli populace.”

∎ Ongoing talks in Cairo aim to establish a cease-fire in Gaza, potentially allowing for the release of hostages.

About Qaid Farhan Alkadi

Alkadi, aged 52, resides with his family in an unincorporated village south of Rahat, as reported by Israeli media. He is one of six Bedouins captured during the Hamas assault. With 11 children, he is married. His brother, Hathem, informed Ynetnews that while Alkadi had lost some weight, he appeared healthy. He is the eighth hostage rescued alive from Gaza since the conflict escalated.

“Above all, we are relieved to see him alive,” he shared. “He inquired about his family’s well-being, especially his children and mother.”

Israel’s Channel 12 showcased the moment family members rushed through the hospital upon receiving news of Alkadi’s rescue.

Hamas Calls for Increased Tensions in West Bank

On Tuesday, Hamas leaders implored Palestinians in the West Bank to heighten confrontations with Israeli settlers following the death of an Arab individual in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian area. Hamas called for Palestinians to gather at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and declared a day of “anger and mobilization” across the West Bank.

“We encourage our courageous resistance fighters and active youth in the occupied West Bank to intensify their confrontations with the enemy and its settlers,” stated Hamas.

Iran Open to Reviving Nuclear Talks with the U.S.

The Supreme Leader of Iran stated his readiness to revive discussions with the United States regarding the country’s nuclear program but cautioned that reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian should not trust the U.S. A 2015 agreement had limited Iran’s nuclear enrichment in exchange for reduced economic sanctions, but the U.S. withdrew from the accord three years later. U.S. officials are now warning that Iran is close to acquiring the ability to produce nuclear weapons.

“We shouldn’t wait for approval from our enemies,” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated in a video message. “Engaging with the same enemy in certain matters is not contradictory; there are no barriers to this.”

General C.Q. Brown Comments on Hezbollah-Israeli Clashes

A significant confrontation in which Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets into Israel, while Israel retaliated with over 100 jets targeting militant sites in Lebanon, surprisingly has not resulted in an escalation of violence, according to a senior U.S. general. Air Force General C.Q. Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, indicated to Reuters that while this incident could have intensified hostilities, Iran still poses a potential risk that could provoke a broader conflict in the region. Iran has vowed revenge following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month.

“Iran’s response will determine Israel’s reaction, which may lead to an escalation or not,” he explained.

With contributions from Reuters