An Israeli soldier was freed from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip during the military’s ground operation, the military and Shin Bet intelligence agency said on Monday. The military said the soldier, Ori Megidish, had been kidnapped by Hamas on October 7. It said she had since undergone medical checks and was “doing well” and has met with her family. It did not elaborate on the circumstances of her release.
Energy minister Israel Katz, a member of Israel’s security cabinet, said on X: “I want to send strength and congratulate the soldiers and commanders of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) and Shin Bet for the bold operation.”
PM Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed her home in a brief statement, saying “our forces” had freed her from Hamas.He said the “achievement” by Israel’s security forces “illustrates our commitment to free all the hostages.” Hamas and other militant groups are believed to be holding some 240 captives, including men, women and kids. Netanyahu has faced mounting pressure to secure their release. Hamas, which has released four hostages, has said it would let the others go in return for thousands of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, including many implicated in deadly attacks on Israelis.