A female IDF soldier who was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists during the massacre of October 7 was rescued and returned to Israel during an IDF ground operation in Gaza, the IDF and Shin Bet announced this evening (Monday). The rescue occurred overnight.

The soldier, who was identified as PVT. Ori Megidish, underwent a medical examination and was found to be in good condition. She then met with her family.

The IDF and Shin Bet stated that they will continue to make every effort to bring about the release of the abductees.

This is the first time one of the approximately 240 people who were kidnapped by Hamas and other terrorists in the Gaza Strip has been rescued by the Israeli military. Hamas has previously released four hostages.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in response to the rescue of Privat Megidish: "Last night our forces freed Private Ori Megidish from Hamas captivity. Ori was kidnapped on the black morning of October 7th. Welcome home Ori."

"I congratulate the Shin Bet and the IDF for this important and exciting achievement, an achievement that expresses our commitment to the release of all the abductees. The entire nation of Israel salutes the Shin Bet and salutes the IDF.

"And to the terrorists of Hamas-ISIS, I say - you are monsters. We will continue to pursue you, we will continue to hunt you down. We will cripple you until you fall at our feet," Netanyahu said.

Earlier today, Hamas published a video of three of its hostages in which the hostages strongly criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Netanyahu's office called the video "cruel psychological propaganda by Hamas-ISIS."

Netanyahu said at today's Cabinet meeting that "we continue our efforts to free the abductees, even during the operation, and the operation even creates opportunities to achieve their liberation and we will not miss these opportunities. This campaign will take time, there will be bumps, there will be difficulties, there will be losses, there will also be surprises, but in the end, I promise you one thing: Hamas will be crippled. Hamas will be defeated, Gaza will be different."