An Israeli commander was killed during the operation in Gaza that resulted in the rescue of four hostages who were held by Hamas since the October 7 attack.

Chief Inspector Arnon Zamora was critically wounded in the mission where his unit played a vital role in rescuing hostages Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andri Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv from captivity at the Nuseirat refugee camp, 

In a statement on X, Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Behind every rescue mission, are Israeli men and women who risk their lives. We are devastated to share that Chief Inspector Arnon Zamora, commander and tactical operator in the Yamam (National Police Counter-Terrorism Unit), who was critically wounded in the operation to rescue hostages this morning, has succumbed to his wounds.”

Zamora, 36, hailed from the Israeli village of Sde David, located just 15 miles from the Gaza border. He was the only Israeli soldier to be killed during the operation to free the hostages.

Zamora also played a crucial role during the October 7 attack, preventing the advance of dozens of Hamas terrorists, according to Israeli officials. 

“I salute Chief Inspector Arnon Zamora, Commander in the elite Yamam Unit, who fell while leading a daring operation to rescue 4 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. He lived and fell a hero,” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant posted on X.

The hostages were initially taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7 during the Nova music festival. A heartwarming video after the operation showed the moment that Noa Argamani, age 25, was reunited with her father after being held in Gaza for 8 months.

Revital Nasis, sister of the rescued hostage Shomi Ziv, expressed deep gratitude towards Zamora and his family. “We are so sorry and just want to say thank you,” she said, according to the Times of Israel.