IDF pilot recalls hostage rescue mission

As we approached the hospital we saw hundreds of Israeli cheering and waving flags cause the news came out. We hear everyday about soldiers, our soldiers that are being killed in action and injured in action. And finally in the media we have good news. We had news about dangerous, extremely dangerous operation that took place in Gaza Strip and succeeded. And we got out four hostages from hell to back to their families. The most meaningful moment that I remember is right after takeoff, about one kilometre from Gaza coast. I look back and I see Shlomi Ziv. He was standing next to the window. He was looking at me, and I gave him a thumbs up. I wanted to signal him that he's all right, he's going to be home in a few hours. And we shared 5 seconds eye contact and I almost started crying. So it was pretty special moment for me. We are very happy that the four brought back home alive to their families, but we cannot forget, we cannot forget that there are 120 more captive Israeli civilians that, as we speak, are being held in Hamas tunnels.