Israeli forces rescue special operation to free soldier detained by Hamas – IDF says

An Israeli soldier who is a woman was kidnapped by Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces rescued her in a special joint operation, which is the first time they have successfully saved a hostage since Hamas went on a violent rampage on October 7.

Ori Megidish was let go. But there was a mistake in the translation, according to IDF spokesperson Lt. Colonel Jonathan Conricus spoke to Anderson Cooper of CNN on Tuesday.

Megidish was one of more than 200 people who were taken captive by Hamas. The Israeli army and security agency, with the help of the Shin Bet, carried out a mission to rescue Megidish and other hostages.

Israel said it started ground operations and called it a “new phase of war. ” They sent special forces into northern Gaza based on intelligence to find and rescue a person.

“He said it was a special operation aimed at getting her out. ”

“They went inside for a job,” Conricus said, adding that he is glad with the result as Megidish is doing well both mentally and physically, and has been reunited with her family.

Megidish has also told Israeli intelligence officers about her time being held captive and the information she shared could be helpful in the future, said Conricus.

“We are fully determined to bring back all of our 238 hostages who are currently being held by Hamas in Gaza,” he said. However, he did not mention if there are any other operations planned to rescue the remaining hostages based on information about their location.

The Israeli government is under pressure to free more people who are being held captive in Gaza. This comes after Hamas attacked Israel and many people were killed, mostly civilians.

Last week, the Israeli Government Press Office announced that there are 135 hostages in Gaza. These hostages come from 25 different countries and include men, women, children, and elderly people, as well as soldiers.

Hamas, a militant group in charge of Gaza, has released only four hostages. These hostages include two weak Israeli elderly women and an American mother and daughter. However, negotiations to free more captives are becoming difficult because Israel is expanding its ground operations into the trapped area.

Qatar has played an important role in discussing and negotiating with Hamas. However, Majed Al-Ansari, the person who speaks for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and gives advice to the Qatari prime minister, told CNN on Saturday that Israel’s increasing violence is making the situation much harder.

Israel is saying that by increasing its ground attack, it is putting more pressure on Hamas. They believe that this could eventually help in the ongoing efforts to free the hostages.

Conricus said that Hamas is using hostages to gain an advantage and is also engaging in psychological tactics.

He said that Hamas is using their hostages to improve their combat situation and the situation on the ground.

Conricus, who did not say there won’t be more rescue missions in the future, told CNN that Israeli forces on the ground are prepared for strong opposition and fighting in tunnels, dangerous traps, explosive devices, mines that target tanks, snipers, and other challenges. However, they have been making good progress so far.

He said that the Israeli military is making big efforts in the fight on the ground to tell apart who is fighting and who is not. He also mentioned that they are taking their time and being careful.