Operation Entebbe: Israeli Commandos Rescue Hostages

In the mid-1970s, a dramatic rescue operation took place at Entebbe Airport in Uganda. The incident began when an Air France plane traveling from Tel Aviv to Paris was hijacked by members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - External Operations and the Red Army Faction. The hijackers diverted the aircraft, along with its 248 passengers, to Entebbe. Upon arrival, they released most of the hostages, retaining 106 individuals, primarily Israeli and Jewish passengers, and demanding the release of 40 Palestinians held in Israel and 13 other detainees in various countries. The Israeli government, upon receiving the ultimatum, engaged in extensive deliberations but ultimately decided against acceding to the terrorists' demands. Instead, a bold rescue mission was planned. The operation, dubbed 'Operation Thunderbolt,' saw a team of elite commandos from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) deployed to Entebbe. The rescue team flew over 2,500 miles, utilizing four Hercules C-130 transport aircraft for the mission. They landed at Entebbe under the cover of darkness. In a well-coordinated and swift attack lasting around 90 minutes, the commandos stormed the old terminal where the hostages were held. During the operation, three hostages were killed by gunfire from the terrorists, while the commandos successfully neutralized all hijackers and several Ugandan soldiers. One Israeli commando, Yonatan Netanyahu, lost his life in the process. The operation significantly boosted Israeli morale, demonstrated the country's robust counterterrorism capabilities, and set a precedent for future counter-terrorism tactics globally. The mission received wide media coverage, highlighting the extent to which Israel ensured the safety of its citizens. Although there were casualties, the operation is still regarded as a tactical success and an extraordinary feat of military precision and expertise. The Entebbe Raid remains a crucial example of international cooperation, strategic planning, and the lengths nations will go to protect their citizens. #EntebbeRaid #OperationThunderbolt #Counterterrorism #IDF #Israel #Uganda #HostageRescue #MoofLife