Israeli Forces Advance Further into Gaza, Rescue Captured Soldier Amid Growing Concerns for Palestinian Civilians

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Israeli military personnel and armored vehicles intensified their ground operations in Gaza on Monday, successfully liberating a female soldier who had been taken captive by Hamas. The move came as the United Nations and healthcare providers issued warnings about airstrikes increasingly endangering hospitals that are already serving as refuges for tens of thousands of Palestinians, along with wounded individuals.

The Israeli military announced that Pvt. Ori Megidish, captured during Hamas’ extensive attack on Israel on October 7, was freed during the current ground operations, marking the first such rescue since the protracted conflict began. The specifics surrounding her release were not fully disclosed, but reports confirm she is in good health and has reunited with her family.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the military’s successful mission, asserting that it reflected Israel’s unwavering commitment to securing the release of all captives. As of now, Hamas and associated militant groups are believed to be holding around 240 captives, including men, women, and children. Netanyahu has been under escalating pressure to ensure their release while Israel continues its military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas and terminating its 16-year rule over the Gaza Strip.

Hamas has previously released four captives and indicated that it would release the remaining ones in exchange for thousands of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. However, Israel has rejected this proposal. Netanyahu hinted earlier that ongoing ground operations could create openings for the rescue of additional hostages.

On the same day, Hamas released a brief video, allegedly featuring three more female captives. One woman, possibly speaking under coercion, condemns Israel’s handling of the hostage situation. Media outlets have generally abstained from reporting specifics of such videos, which are likely produced under duress and may serve propaganda objectives.

Details about the ongoing Israeli operations within Gaza remain sparse, including the number of troops involved and their exact locations. Israel has announced a new phase in the conflict but has stopped short of declaring a full-scale ground invasion. Recent movements indicate a strategic focus on Gaza City, which houses significant Hamas military assets, including an extensive network of tunnels.

The humanitarian toll of the conflict is rising, with increased risk of higher casualties if Israeli forces extend their ground operations into densely populated areas. Although Israel has advised Palestinians in the northern regions to evacuate, many remain due to ongoing bombardments in designated safe zones. According to U.N. estimates, approximately 117,000 displaced individuals are taking refuge in hospitals in northern Gaza, including both staff and patients.

The U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reports that nearly 672,000 Palestinians are currently sheltering in schools and other facilities, surpassing four times their designed capacity. As of Monday, the Palestinian death toll exceeded 8,300, primarily women and children, a figure unprecedented in the long history of Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. Over 1.4 million Gazans have fled their homes, while the Israeli side has seen over 1,400 deaths, primarily civilians.

There are increasing concerns about the capacity of hospitals in northern Gaza to operate under the current conditions. All 10 hospitals in this region have been advised to evacuate, but staff have refused, citing that such a move would be fatal for patients relying on life-sustaining equipment.

The conflict also puts increasing strain on Gaza’s already fragile infrastructure. Supplies of food, medicine, and fuel are critically low due to an ongoing Israeli blockade. Meanwhile, the situation also stokes fears of wider regional instability, including daily confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah along Israel’s northern border, and increasing violence in the West Bank.

Additional reporting by correspondents in Cairo, Athens, and Jerusalem contributed to this article.

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