Andrey Kozlov

Kidnapped Security Guard Andrei Kozlov Among Four Freed in Israeli Rescue Operation

Four hostages, including Andrey Kozlov, were rescued by Israeli forces

The hostages were kidnapped by Hamas while working as security guards in Gaza

Andrei Andreyevich Kozlov, a 27-year-old Russian-Israeli immigrant, was among the four hostages freed in a special operation by Israeli forces in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The other hostages included Noa Argamani, 25; Almog Meir, 21; and Shlomi Ziv, 40.

Kozlov's mother, Evgenia, expressed her joy and relief at his release. "I can't believe he's finally free," she said. "I've been so worried about him." Kozlov was working as a security guard at the Kerem Shalom border crossing when he was kidnapped in January 2011. The other hostages were kidnapped in 2009.

The rescue operation was carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in coordination with the Shin Bet security service. The IDF said that the hostages were rescued after a "complex and challenging operation." The operation was successful, and the hostages were returned to Israel unharmed.

The rescue of the four hostages brings the number of hostages brought back alive from Gaza to 11. In 2011, Gilad Shalit was released after being held captive by Hamas for five years. In 2008, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev were released after being held captive by Hezbollah for two years. The release of the four hostages is a significant victory for Israel and a testament to the commitment of its security forces to protect its citizens.