IDF chief Zamir: Gaza war not over until last of the deceased hostages is returned

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir says the war against Hamas is not over until the last of the deceased hostages held in Gaza are brought home.

The remarks are delivered during a conference with all of the military’s operational unit commanders ranked lieutenant colonel and above, which the IDF says is the start of a “learning process” that the military will undertake as it enters 2026. A similar conference will be held next week for reservist commanders.

“The IDF looks to the future with the past on its shoulders. Drawing lessons and learning constitute our moral and professional duty, and we will do so with courage and determination,” Zamir says.

“We must now strengthen the foundations and routines, care for our people and their families, and prepare for the upcoming challenges that exist across all fronts,” he says.

“The war is not yet over; we must complete our sacred mission of bringing the fallen hostages home and continue the campaign against Hamas,” Zamir adds.

During the conference, senior officers presented “operational and intelligence data” from the war; Defense Minister Israel Katz spoke with the commanders; and a panel was held with released hostages Emily Damari and Liri Albag, along with Ela Haimi, the widow of Tal Haimi, and Rabbi Doron Perez, the father of Cpt. Daniel Perez — who was killed on October 7, 2023, as was Tal Haimi. Their bodies were abducted to Gaza and returned this month.