Israeli Special Forces Officer Killed in Gaza Operation to Free Hostages

Chief Inspector Arnon Zmora fought to stave off terrorists in southern Israel on October 7 and died after participating in the successful rescue of four hostages

He was a graduate of Harel High School in Mevasseret Zion, near Jerusalem. Mayor Yoram Shimon released a statement eulogizing Zamora and saying he had represented “the good side of Israeli society,” adding that he “symbolized, more than anyone, the mutual and singular commitment shared by the Israeli people and the State of Israel.”

The joint operation by the military, the Shin Bet and the special counter-terrorism unit rescued hostages Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov and Shlomi Ziv. The four were rescued at around 11 A.M. as part of the military’s extensive attack on Hamas targets in the central Gaza regions of Deir al-Balah and the Nuseirat refugee camp.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was committed to the return of all the hostages, living or dead. Last week, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi told hostages’ relatives that he did not believe the government would succeed in striking a comprehensive deal to return all the hostages.

Source:haaretz.com