From the Liveblog of
Monday, October 30, 2023
IDF spokesman says rescued IDF soldier provided helpful info about captivity
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari says the military will continue its efforts to release the 238 hostages held by Hamas and other terror groups in the Gaza Strip, after forces rescued Pvt. Ori Megidish in an overnight operation.
“I would like to convey a message to the hostages and their families, we — the IDF and Shin Bet — are all obligated, we have a moral obligation to return all the hostages home,” he says.
He says that after being rescued, Megidish met with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar. He describes it as a “very touching meeting.”
Hagari says Megidish managed to recall everything she saw in the Gaza Strip, which he says may be used in future operations.
On a Hamas propaganda video released earlier today showing three Israeli hostages, Hagari says the terror group is employing “psychological terror” against Israel.
“And precisely because of this, we must show strength and composure. We must not cooperate with the mind games of Hamas, that way we will succeed in defeating it,” he adds.
The Times of Israel Community.