Israeli forces rescue captured soldier; Hamas releases video of 3 other hostages
Israeli government and military did not elaborate on circumstances of Ori Megidish's release
Israel says its forces rescued a female soldier captured by Hamas militants during their Oct. 7 incursion through southern Israeli communities.
The Israel Defence Forces say Pte. Ori Megidish, 19, was freed during its ground operations in Gaza. The military provided few details, but Megidish appears to be the first captive to be freed since Israel stepped up its ground war.
The military says she "was medically checked, is doing well, and has met with her family."
Energy Minister Israel Katz, a member of Israel's security cabinet, said on media platform X: "I want to send strength and congratulate the soldiers and commanders of the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) and Shin Bet for the bold operation."
He offered no further details.
Earlier Monday, Hamas also released a video of three women who are being held hostage.
The video shows the women — identified by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Yelena Trupanob, Danielle Aloni and Rimon Kirsht — sitting side by side against a bare wall, with Aloni addressing an angry message to the prime minister.
Accusing Netanyahu of failing to protect Israeli citizens during the deadly Hamas attack and failing to get them back home, she called for an agreement to secure their release in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
"You were supposed to free all of us. You committed to free us all. But instead we are carrying your political, security, military, diplomatic failure," she said.
In a statement, Netanyahu repeated a pledge to make every effort to bring the hostages home.
"Abducted by Hamas, which is committing war crimes, I embrace you. Our hearts are with you and with the other captives. We are doing everything to bring home all the captives and the missing," he said.
The prime minister has said that efforts to free the over 200 hostages being held by Hamas were ongoing during the ground campaign in Gaza, which he said "creates opportunities to achieve their release and we will not miss them."
Those captured include several Canadian citizens.
With files from Reuters