The IDF led by COGAT, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Israel, rescued a young Yazidi woman held by a Hamas terrorist affiliated with ISIS in the Gaza Strip

In an operation coordinated by IDF and led by COGAT, with the U.S. Embassy in Israel and other international actors, Fawzia Amin Sido; a 21-year-old woman of Yazidi origin was freed this week from captivity and returned home to Iraq. About a decade ago, when she was only 11 years old, ISIS terrorists trafficked her to a Hamas terrorist affiliated with ISIS in the Gaza Strip where she was held in captivity.

During the "Swords of Iron" war, the terrorist who held her was killed, presumably during IDF strikes in the Gaza Strip, and she fled to a hideout within the Gaza Strip. In a complex operation coordinated between Israel, the United States, and other international actors, she was recently rescued in a secret mission from the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom Crossing. Upon her entry into Israel, she continued to Jordan through the Allenby Bridge Crossing and from there- returned to her family in Iraq.

This is further evidence of the connection between the terrorist organization Hamas and ISIS, as well as additional proof of the crimes against humanity committed by the murderous terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip. The IDF will continue to act to dismantle the Hamas-ISIS terrorist organization, strike terror infrastructure sites, and free all hostages in Hamas captivity.

The State of Israel will continue to promote humanitarian efforts in cooperation with the international community, in accordance with the values of the State of Israel, which is committed to international law.