Family members, MKs, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, and beachgoers celebrated the rescue of Israeli-Bedouin hostage Qaid Farhan Alkadi from Hamas captivity in Gaza on Tuesday.
Alkadi’s brother said in an interview with Kan, “We are very happy to receive this news. It is better than having a new child. Thank you so much, everyone. We look forward to seeing him in good health.”
אחיו של החטוף שחולץ, פרחאן אלקאדי: "שמחים מאוד לקבל את הבשורה הזאת. זה יותר טוב משנולד ילד חדש. אנחנו אומרים תודה רבה לכולם ומקווים שנראה אותו בבריאות"@Itsik_zuarets pic.twitter.com/KMkbqNcqBa
— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) August 27, 2024
Alkadi was brought to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba for treatment, where he was united with his entire family, the medical center announced.
Israeli leadership responds to Alkadi's rescue
President Isaac Herzog posted on X, saying, “I am overjoyed by the successful rescue of the hostage Qaid Farhan Alkadi, a Muslim resident of the Bedouin Israeli community in the Negev, who was kidnapped on October 7 from where he worked in Kibbutz Magen when Hamas terrorists came to indiscriminately abduct, murder, and rape without distinction between race or religion.”
I am overjoyed by the successful rescue of the hostage Qaid Farhan al-Qadi. Qaid, a Muslim resident of the Bedouin Israeli community in the Negev, who was kidnapped on October 7th from where he worked in Kibbutz Magen when Hamas terrorists came to indiscriminately abduct, murder,…
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) August 27, 2024
“I congratulate the IDF, the Shin Bet, and all the security services, and send my blessings to his family on his return – which is a moment of joy for the State of Israel and Israeli society as a whole. I wish for the immediate and swift return of all our 108 hostages, who are being held cruelly in captivity in Gaza,” he added.
Netanyahu’s office posted on X, sharing that the prime minister spoke with Alkadi, welcoming him back.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Farhan al-Qadi, who was rescued from being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.The Prime Minister congratulated al-Qadi and told him that the entire people of Israel was moved by his being freed.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) August 27, 2024
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said, “Qaid Farhan Alkadi, a 52-year-old Bedouin father of eleven from south of Rahat, was kidnapped on October 7 from his security job at Kibbutz Magen’s packing factory. He endured 326 days in captivity.”
“Qaid’s return home is nothing short of miraculous. However, we must remember that military operations alone cannot free the remaining 108 hostages, who have suffered 326 days of abuse and terror. A negotiated deal is the only way forward. We urgently call on the international community to maintain pressure on Hamas to accept the proposed deal and release all hostages. Every single day in captivity is one too many. The remaining hostages cannot afford to wait for another such miracle,” the forum concluded.
מציל אגף החופים של עיריית חיפה מודיע על שחרור קאיד פרחאן אל-קאדי מעזה. pic.twitter.com/tQzdCKytJr
— החדשות - N12 (@N12News) August 27, 2024
A lifeguard at a beach in Haifa broadcast a loudspeaker announcement of the rescue to nearby bathers.