In an interview with CNN, Doron Spielman, a representative of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), stated that every effort would be made to bring back the captives. “We will not leave a single person behind, and we will do everything in our power to make it happen,” he said. Spielman also emphasized that the Israeli army is striving to “effectively destroy Hamas infrastructure.”
Prior to this, Hamas representative Hazem Qasem, who governs the Gaza Strip, stated that discussions about Israeli prisoners would take place after the conclusion of the “Flood of Al-Aqsa” operation. On October 7th, Hamas forces launched thousands of rockets into Israeli territory, initiating the “Deluge of Al-Aqsa” operation. In response, Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, declared a state of emergency within the country.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the country is in a state of war. The IDF’s operation against Hamas has been named “Iron Swords.” According to Netanyahu, Israel’s military campaign against Hamas will be arduous and protracted. Earlier, the Israeli police predicted that the escalation of the conflict would be prolonged.
