In a daring and complex military operation, Israeli forces rescued Qaid Farhan Al-Qadi, a 52-year-old Bedouin Arab-Israeli, who endured months of unimaginable horror in an underground tunnel in Gaza. Captured by Hamas during the brutal October 7th attack on Israel, Al-Qadi’s rescue marks the eighth successful retrieval of a hostage by Israeli forces since the outbreak of war in Gaza, highlighting the ongoing and perilous nature of these rescue missions.
Eight Months in Darkness: A Hostage’s Struggle to Survive
Al-Qadi, a father of eleven from a Bedouin village near Rahat in the Negev desert, was seized while working as a security guard at Kibbutz Magen, close to the volatile Israel-Gaza border. For eight agonizing months, Al-Qadi languished in captivity, deprived of sunlight and exposed to the constant terror of bombings overhead. According to the former mayor of Rahat, Ata Abu Medigam, who spoke to Haaretz, Al-Qadi described his ordeal as “a very cruel captivity,” marked by extreme isolation, fear, and the death of a fellow hostage held alongside him.
Hamas-Isis claims that the Israeli hostage Kaid Farhan al-Qadi was treated by them differently and was finally released because he was a Muslim.
— The Voice Of Truth 🙌 (@thevoicetruth1) August 28, 2024
THAT IS A LIE !!!
Farhan said he recieved no different treatment than any other Israeli hostage.
He was kept in 20 meter deep dark… pic.twitter.com/nQcilft6ph
Al-Qadi’s captivity was so harsh that he began to fear losing his eyesight, a result of the constant darkness and the dismal conditions underground. He would frequently check his vision by touching his eyes to ensure they were still functioning, a small but telling sign of his growing desperation. His cousin, Fadi Abu Sahiban, emphasized that Al-Qadi received no special treatment despite being a Muslim, revealing that the only concession given by his captors was the allowance to pray. “They didn’t give him any preferential treatment,” Abu Sahiban noted, underscoring the indiscriminate brutality of his captors.
A Heart-Pounding Rescue and a Glimpse of Hope
The Israeli military’s operation to rescue Al-Qadi was described as highly complex, conducted in the southern Gaza Strip amid a network of perilous tunnels used by Hamas for smuggling, command, and control. Al-Qadi was discovered alone in one of these tunnels, a stark testament to the chilling reality faced by those still held captive. While the full details of the operation remain classified for security reasons, the rescue underscores the relentless efforts by Israeli forces to bring hostages home safely, regardless of the challenges.
In a poignant phone call from his hospital bed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Al-Qadi expressed his relief and gratitude, saying, “I’ve been waiting for this moment. I swear to you.” But his words also carried a sobering reminder of the ongoing crisis: “There are other people waiting.” Al-Qadi’s plea highlights the tragic reality for the 104 hostages, both alive and deceased, still held by Hamas in the labyrinthine underworld of Gaza.
Rescued hostage Farhan al-Qadi:
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) August 28, 2024
“Suddenly I hear someone outside the door speaking in Hebrew, I didn't believe it, I didn't believe it. Thank you so much. This is thanks to our army, they do sacred work, they risked their lives."
Welcome home Farhan 💙🇮🇱
📸 Soroka Medical… pic.twitter.com/UbDAh2VTrv
Living in Fear of Death, Every Single Day
Throughout his captivity, Al-Qadi lived in perpetual fear, not only of his captors but also of the relentless shelling by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). “He said his body was shaking every day,” Abu Sahiban recounted, painting a vivid picture of the psychological torment endured by Al-Qadi. The sounds of nearby explosions, the uncertainty of survival, and the sheer helplessness in the face of constant danger left Al-Qadi in a state of continuous dread. Every day felt like it could be his last, a sentiment that resonates deeply with all those still yearning for freedom.
The Larger Context: A War That Began with Bloodshed
Al-Qadi’s abduction occurred during the unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7th, when Hamas launched a surprise assault that left around 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage. The brutal offensive triggered a powerful response from Israel, aiming to dismantle Hamas’ terror infrastructure in Gaza. Since then, indirect negotiations mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have sought to broker a ceasefire that could potentially lead to the release of the remaining hostages. However, talks remain stalled due to unresolved disputes, including Prime Minister Netanyahu’s insistence on maintaining Israeli troops along Gaza’s border with Egypt—a condition fiercely opposed by Hamas, which seeks to preserve its ability to rebuild and rearm.
Among the hostages still held by Hamas are other Bedouin Arabs, including Yousef Zyadna and his son Hamza. The body of Muhammad el-Atrash, another Bedouin hostage, also remains in Hamas’ custody. The stories of these captives are a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian and security crisis that continues to unfold.
Smiling next to his family: a day after being rescued from Gaza - Farhan al-Qadi was released from the hospital pic.twitter.com/2pR6iIiQPH
— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) August 28, 2024
A Beacon of Resilience Amidst the Darkness
Al-Qadi’s story is not just one of survival; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. As Israel continues its operations to rescue those still held in captivity, Al-Qadi’s harrowing experience serves as a powerful reminder of the brutal reality faced by hostages. The mission to bring them home is far from over, but each successful rescue shines as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of this ongoing conflict.
