Israel’s army announced on Monday that it had freed a female soldier taken hostage by the Islamist Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, Israeli authorities said, as cited by Reuters. “This is further proof of our ability to reach the hostages,” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said, reiterating that “this will not be a short or easy war,” according to The Times of Israel.

Ori Megidish, who was held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, was released overnight from Sunday to Monday after a ground operation by the Israeli army. She was a soldier in the Israeli army, which did not specify the circumstances of her release.

The IDF also reported that Ori Megidish underwent a medical examination, is doing well and has already met her family.

“The Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet will continue to make every effort to free the abductees,” the IDF said.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says the overnight operation in Gaza that freed Ori Megidish “is proof that Israel can rescue hostages held by Hamas and other terrorist groups,” reports The Times of Israel.

“This is further evidence of our ability to reach the hostages, the importance of the ground operation and, above all, our commitment to each of the hostages,” Gallant said.

He emphasized again that “it will not be a short and easy war.”

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