IDF Spokesperson, Brigadier General Daniel Hagari, addressed the daily briefing this morning (Thursday) on the ongoing combat activity in Gaza and reported that the number of captives, whose families have been notified, has been updated to 242.
At the beginning of his remarks, Hagari focused on the expansion of ground combat in Gaza and the ongoing efforts to gain control of the territories within the Strip. He noted, "IDF soldiers continue to advance within the city of Gaza and engage in face-to-face battles with Hamas militants, intensifying the combat."
Later, he described one of the battles that occurred during the night, saying, "The forces engaged with numerous militants who attempted to ambush them. After a battle that lasted several hours and involved ground combat, air support from aircraft and missile boats, many militants were killed. The soldiers continue to weaken Hamas's defense lines in the northern part of the Strip and seize crucial territories."
According to him, "We continue to strengthen our operations and advance according to the objectives we set for ourselves. The battle is progressing as planned. We have the upper hand. The logistical effort continues to occur, and we continue to supply ammunition and protective equipment to our forces."
Hagari: The IDF attacked positions in southern Lebanon from which rockets were fired into Israeli territory
The IDF spokesperson also addressed the events in the northern area and the IDF's attacks on positions from which mortar shells were fired into Israeli territory. He said, "We continue to target military objectives of Hezbollah along the border and to neutralize enemy cells planning to launch anti-tank missiles, rockets, and mortar shells towards Israel."
"In the last hour, IDF forces also targeted positions from which mortar shells were fired into the area of Mount Dov, Mount Hermon, and other areas. Last night, a ground-to-air missile was fired at an unoccupied aircraft; the aircraft was not damaged, and the launcher was attacked. The IDF is on high alert and ready to respond forcefully to anyone attempting to undermine the security situation in the north."
Brigadier General Hagarai also addressed the issue of the abductees and reported that the number of families who were informed about their loved ones being abducted has increased to 242. Furthermore, it was stated that 332 families of fallen IDF soldiers have been updated since the beginning of the war.
In response to a question from the Kan News reporter Gili Cohen about the video released by the IDF depicting the horrors of Hamas terrorists, it was mentioned that the State of Israel will continue to show it to world leaders and ambassadors, as well as foreign media, while taking into account the sensitivities of the families involved.
