Ori Megidish: Israeli soldier hostage in Gaza rescued

Pte Megidish was pictured surrounded by family members after her release

An Israeli soldier taken hostage by Hamas on 7 October has been rescued, Israel's military has said.

Pte Ori Megidish was freed during ground operations in Gaza on Sunday night and was reunited with her family, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said.

They added that she had undergone medical checks and was "doing well", but gave no details of her release.

She is the fifth hostage to be released and the first soldier. At least 238 people are still being held.

"PVT Megidish was abducted by Hamas on October 7. Tonight, she was released during IDF ground operations," the IDF said.

"Ori is now home with her family."

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Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel more than three weeks ago, killing more than 1,400 people and taking dozens more hostage.

They are being held in secret locations around the Gaza Strip. Among them are women, children and the elderly, as well as a number of soldiers.

Israel has launched a massive military operation in Gaza, aimed at destroying Hamas and its rule over the territory.

The Hamas-run health ministry says at least 8,000 Palestinians have been killed.

News of Pte Megidish's release comes as Hamas released a video showing three hostages, all of them Israeli women. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the video as "cruel propaganda".