The families of the four rescued hostages have thanked the security forces for freeing their loved ones in a complex special daytime operation in central Gaza.

Those rescued were Noa Argamani, 25, Almog Meir Jan, 21, Andrey Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 40.

Yaakov Argamani, Ms Argamani’s father, thanked the IDF and, speaking about the other hostages, said: “We must do everything, and as soon as possible to bring them home.” “Today is my birthday, and what a present I received,” he added.

Jennifer Master, Mr Kozlov’s partner, thanked the army, while his aunt Anna said: “There’s a lot of happiness today, a lot of tears.”

Mr Jan’s mother Orit said: “Almog asked to say: ‘We have a strong nation, thanks very much. I support the soldiers, I hope all the hostages come home safely’.”

Israel believes that 116 of the approximately 250 hostages abducted by militants are left in the Palestinian enclave, at least 40 of whom have been declared dead in absentia by authorities.

The families also expressed their condolences over the death of counter-terrorism officer Arnon Zamora, 36, who died due to injuries sustained during the mission.