A 52-year-old Bedouin man, Kaid Farhan Elkadi, who was recently rescued by Israeli forces during a complex operation in the southern Gaza Strip, is urging for a negotiated agreement with Hamas to free all remaining hostages. Elkadi, who had been held captive since the Hamas attack on October 7, was returned to his village in southern Israel on Wednesday, becoming the eighth hostage freed by Israel since the conflict began.
Elkadi shared his relief at being rescued but expressed that his joy is tempered by the knowledge that many others remain in captivity. He emphasized the importance of securing the release of all hostages, regardless of their background, stating that every family, whether Arab or Jewish, deserves to be reunited with their loved ones.
During a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Elkadi called for efforts to end the conflict and bring all hostages home. He recounted his harrowing experience in captivity, where he was deprived of sunlight for months and feared for his life under constant threat from Israeli airstrikes. Held in an underground tunnel, Elkadi had no contact with the outside world and was allowed only to pray, with no special treatment due to his Muslim faith.
In a related development, Israel announced the recovery of the body of an Israeli soldier killed during the October 7 attack. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reaffirmed the military’s commitment to securing the return of all hostages.
Currently, 103 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas, including at least 33 who are presumed dead. International mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are working to facilitate a ceasefire agreement that could lead to the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
As negotiations continue, the Israeli government is under increasing pressure to ensure the safe return of all hostages while balancing the need to maintain security along its borders.
