Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

‘Huge relief’ to see rescue of four hostages by Israel, Rishi Sunak says

The captives had been kidnapped from the Tribe of Nova music festival during Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel.

Sophie Wingate
Saturday 08 June 2024 19:43 BST
Almog Meir Jan raises his hands after being freed (Tomer Appelbaum/AP)
Almog Meir Jan raises his hands after being freed (Tomer Appelbaum/AP) (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Rishi Sunak said it is a “huge relief” to see the return of hostages who were kidnapped in Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7.

Israeli forces rescued four captives in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, in the largest such recovery since the militants’ assault triggered the conflict.

The Prime Minister said on social media site X: “It is a huge relief to see hostages returned after their unimaginable ordeal and heartwarming to see the pictures of them reunited with their families.

“We will continue to strive towards an end to the fighting as well as safety and security for all.”

Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said: “News of the rescue of four hostages will be a huge relief to their families.

“My thoughts also with families of those still captive, and all the innocent lives affected by the conflict.

“We must secure the release of all hostages and end the fighting through a ceasefire deal.”

Labour’s shadow foreign secretary David Lammy wrote: “It’s now 245 days since October 7th, when these hostages were kidnapped from the Nova music festival by Hamas terrorists.

“Their rescue is a glimmer of hope in the darkness.

“We need an immediate ceasefire now, to get all the hostages released and a surge of aid into Gaza.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in