Rescue Mission Ends Tragically
Inside the Failed Sayeret Matkal Operation to Save Sahar Baruch
New details emerge on the failed IDF Sayeret Matkal operation to rescue Sahar Baruch z”l in Gaza. Commandos faced heavy fire from Hamas terrorists, and after 755 days in captivity, his body was finally returned. The investigation into the exact circumstances of his death continues.
Following the return and identification of Sahar Baruch z”l, further details have emerged about the failed rescue operation carried out by the IDF’s Sayeret Matkal. Commandos raided the building where he was held, but Hamas terrorists returned fire and, under the cover of grenades, managed to escape with his body. After 755 days in captivity, his remains were returned today.
According to military correspondent Doron Kadosh, on December 8, 2023, a Sayeret Matkal team carried out a rescue mission at a building in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, where Baruch was being held. The operatives fought Hamas fighters in an attempt to free him.
The Sayeret Matkal unit approached the building covertly. One of the commandos, trained in engineering operations, placed a small charge at the entrance, which successfully breached the door where the militants and Sahar were located.
Hamas fighters responded quickly, opening fire and throwing grenades, injuring several commandos, including one seriously, which delayed the operation. Later, it was confirmed that Sahr Baruch had been killed in the exchange of fire, and his captors managed to escape with his body, which remained in Gaza until today.
A day after the failed operation, Hamas publicly announced Sahar’s death, before Israel had disclosed anything. This forced Israel to acknowledge the operation.
According to reports, the internal investigation by Sayeret Matkal has not yet reached a definitive conclusion on whether Saahr was killed by IDF fire or Hamas fire. His family was kept updated throughout the two years of his captivity.
Experts are awaiting further examination at the Forensic Medicine Institute, which may provide new information about the circumstances of his death. Any new findings will be published as they become available.