Israeli soldier held hostage by Hamas rescued from Gaza in ‘daring operation’

A female Israeli soldier held hostage by Hamas has been rescued from Gaza in a “daring operation”, Israeli forces have said.

Private Ori Megidish was back at home with her family on Monday, having been medically examined and found to be in good health.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said she was a lookout soldier who had been kidnapped by Hamas when terrorists stormed the Nahal Oz base on the Gaza border on Oct 7.

The IDF, which worked with the Shin Bet security agency on what it called a “ground operation”, is unlikely to reveal extensive details about the mission in order to avoid damaging future operations.

But Hebrew media reported that Pte Megidish was believed to have been held alone, despite other members of her unit being captured at the same time.
The rescue was said to have been planned several days in advance, and it is thought that Hamas showed resistance during the overnight mission. No members of Israeli security forces were reported to have been hurt.

Video footage on social media showed emotional scenes as Pte Megidish was reunited with her family. The IDF shared a photograph of the released soldier with her relatives, writing: “She is home.”