“We can and will always fight Hamas in order to return the hostages. However, as time passes, it will be harder to bring back anyone. I said this to politicians in charge as well,” IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said on Friday in a statement to the parents of the remaining hostages held captive.
He continued by saying, “We’re making great efforts to try to find the remaining hostages.” Halevi noted that the IDF is taking risks also to gather as much intelligence as possible.”
The Chief of Staff also admitted that he does not know when exactly the war will end, just that “we’re not close yet. If we don’t fight and put pressure on Hamas, it will take even more time and will be even more difficult to bring back the hostages.”
Halevi concluded by saying that an agreement for a hostage release deal is ultimately a governmental decision but that the IDF “is doing all it can in order to bring about the best conditions possible. Your children are our responsibility, and we will go to great lengths to get them back. While there is no hostage agreement, we will work to bring as many of them back as possible.” Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi (left) talks with an officer in Gaza during the ground operation of the Israeli army against Hamas in this IDF handout image released on November 16, 2023. (credit: IDF/Reuters)
Parents of hostages said that military pressure is killing the hostages
Table of Contents
- 1 - What are IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi’s assurances regarding the hostages held by Hamas?
- 2 Certain when the conflict with Hamas will conclude. He noted that the situation remains fluid and unpredictable, emphasizing the IDF’s commitment to both the safety of hostages and the broader objective of dismantling Hamas’s capabilities.
Table of Contents
The statements came after an N12 report citing the parents of hostages, saying that “military pressure is killing the hostages. We are afraid that the remaining live hostages will return dead. We are not ready for the IDF to approach where our children are being held.”
Another parent said, “You are putting my son at risk. If it is possible to get him out in a deal, then he should be protected. We are not interested in a rescue operation. We do not want another situation where soldiers end up dead like Arnon Zamora.”
- What are IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi’s assurances regarding the hostages held by Hamas?
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi Vows to Continue Fighting Hamas to Return Hostages
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, has reassured the parents of the remaining hostages held captive by Hamas that the military will continue to fight relentlessly to bring them back home. In a statement made on Friday, Halevi emphasized that time is of the essence, and the longer the hostages remain in captivity, the more challenging it will be to secure their release.
A Promise to Parents: We Will Do Everything Possible
Addressing the concerned parents, Halevi pledged that the IDF is taking significant risks to gather intelligence and is making every effort to locate the remaining hostages. He acknowledged that the military is doing everything in its power to create the best possible conditions for a hostage release deal. ”Your children are our responsibility, and we will go to great lengths to get them back,” Halevi assured the parents.
No End in Sight to the Conflict
When asked about the timeline for the war’s end, Halevi candidly admitted that they are not close yet. He stressed that continued pressure on Hamas is crucial to bring about a resolution, warning that without it, the situation will only become more protracted and difficult. Halevi’s words served as a somber reminder that the conflict is far from over, and the IDF must remain vigilant in its pursuit of bringing the hostages home.
A Governmental Decision
While the IDF Chief of Staff emphasized the military’s commitment to securing the hostages’ release, he also acknowledged that an agreement for a hostage release deal ultimately lies with the government. Halevi’s statement served as a reminder that the IDF’s role is to create the conditions for a successful deal, but the final decision rests with the political leadership.
The IDF’s Resolve Remains Unwavering
Throughout the conflict, the IDF has demonstrated its unwavering resolve to combat Hamas and bring an end to the humanitarian crisis. Halevi’s statement to the parents of the hostages serves as a testament to the military’s dedication to this mission. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution that sees the safe return of the hostages.
Key Takeaways
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has reassured parents of hostages that the military will continue to fight to bring them back home.
Halevi emphasized that time is of the essence, and the longer the hostages remain in captivity, the more challenging it will be to secure their release.
The IDF is taking significant risks to gather intelligence and is making every effort to locate the remaining hostages.
An agreement for a hostage release deal ultimately lies with the government, but the IDF is committed to creating the best possible conditions for a successful deal.
* The conflict is far from over, and continued pressure on Hamas is crucial to bring about a resolution.
Certain when the conflict with Hamas will conclude. He noted that the situation remains fluid and unpredictable, emphasizing the IDF’s commitment to both the safety of hostages and the broader objective of dismantling Hamas’s capabilities.
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi Vows to Continue Fighting Hamas to Return Hostages
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, has reassured the parents of the remaining hostages held captive by Hamas that the military will continue to fight relentlessly to bring them back home. In a statement made on Friday, Halevi emphasized that time is of the essence, and the longer the hostages remain in captivity, the more challenging it will be to secure their release.
A Promise to Parents: We Will Do Everything Possible
Addressing the concerned parents, Halevi pledged that the IDF is taking significant risks to gather intelligence and is making every effort to locate the remaining hostages. He acknowledged that the military is doing everything in its power to create the best possible conditions for a hostage release deal. “Your children are our responsibility, and we will go to great lengths to get them back,” Halevi assured the parents.
No End in Sight to the Conflict
When asked about the timeline for the war’s end, Halevi candidly admitted that they are not
