IDF says 155 families informed that loved ones taken hostage by Hamas

The military’s top spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, says the military has so far notified the families of 155 hostages that their loved ones are being held in the Gaza Strip.

He says the army is doing “everything” it can to bring them home.

“To the families of the hostages, I know that for you every second is an eternity, we will do everything to bring your loved ones home,” Hagari says.

Hagari says more than 600,000 Palestinians from Gaza City have evacuated south despite attempts by Hamas to prevent people from leaving.

The IDF has warned it will heavily target the northern part of the Gaza Strip in the coming days.

“We act in accordance with international law to cause a minimum amount of harm to uninvolved citizens, I stress this to the world, this is the difference between us and our enemies,” Hagari says.

Turning to the north, Hagari says Hezbollah is “working to escalate the situation under Iranian guidance and planning.”

“We are focused on the goal of fighting Hamas and bringing security to our citizens,” Hagari adds.