The Israeli military has said its forces have rescued four hostages taken by Hamas from two separate locations in Gaza.

In a statement, authorities said Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov and Shlomi Ziv are all in "good medical condition". 

The hostages were rescued from “two separate locations in the heart of Nuseirat” according to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). 

Photo of Almog Meir Jan, 21, who was held in Gaza with other Israeli hostages. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

They have been transferred to the 'Sheba' Tel-HaShomer Medical Centre for further medical examinations. 

"The security forces will continue to make every effort to bring the hostages home,” the statement said. 

All four had been kidnapped by Hamas militants from the Nova music festival during the October 7th attacks. 

The rescue of the three men and one woman is the largest such recovery since the hostages were taken. 

'Heroic' rescue of hostages

The Hostages Families Forum Headquarters called the recovery a “heroic operation by the IDF”. 

“Now, with the enormous joy all over Israel, the Israeli government must remember its commitment to bring back all 120 hostages still held by Hamas,” they said on X. 

“We continue to call upon the international community to apply the necessary pressure on Hamas to accept the proposed deal and release the other 120 hostages held in captivity; every day there is a day too far.” 

Ceasefire deal

Last week, an Israeli official confirmed a ceasefire deal proposed by US President Joe Biden was accepted. 

The three-part plan would see aid delivered to Gaza, hostages freed by Hamas, and an eventual permanent end to the war. 

Ophir Falk, a foreign policy advisor to Benjamin Netanyahu, says it’s “not a good deal – but has been accepted”. 

It’s understood that Joe Biden’s proposal has also been sent to Hamas for consideration through Qatar but has yet to be accepted. 

Around 1,200 people were killed in southern Israeli communities during the Hamas attack and around 250 people were taken. 

More than 100 hostages were released during a ceasefire in November in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.