Who are the two hostages rescued by IDF from Gaza's Rafah in daring night time operation

In a daring operation, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) freed two hostages in Rafah on Monday in what can be perceived as a breakthrough in releasing over 100 detainees held by Hamas in Gaza.

Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70 were rescued from Hamas’ captivity after the Israeli military, the domestic Shin Bet security service and the Special Police Unit in Rafah conducted a joint operation on Monday evening.

Two Israeli hostages rescued during an overnight mission in Rafah.

During a joint operation between the IDF, ISA, and Israel Police, two Israeli hostages from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak were rescued: Fernando Simon Marman (60) and Louis Har (70).

They are both in good medical…

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 12, 2024

Heaping praises on the soldiers who conducted the rescue operation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “I salute our brave warriors for the bold action that led to their liberation. Only the continuation of military pressure, until complete victory, will result in the release of all our hostages.”

“We will not miss any opportunity to bring them home,” he added.

The story of Marman and Har becoming hostages

Fernando Simon Marman was taken hostage from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak on October 7 by Hamas along with his family members, according to Times of Israel.

His family members include his sisters Clara Marman, and Gabriela Leimberg, Clara’s partner Louis Har and Leimberg’s daughter Mia Leimberg.

The family was on a trip to the kibbutz for the holiday week.

While the Leimbergs and Clara Marman were released on November 28 as part of the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas brokered by Qatar and the US, Simon Marman and Lous Har had to stay back until Monday.

Meanwhile, Clara, who has gone back to Israel, said that the family was kept together. She said that there was a time when they were moved to a car and were “actually, very close to Nir Yitzhak.”

Upon their release, Clara and the Leimbergs were certain that Fernando and Louis would be right behind them. Little did they know that they would have to wait for over 2 months to meet again.

Marman is a handyman from Kfar Saba. He is a father of four children and has 10 grandchildren.