From the Liveblog of
Sunday, May 18, 2025
IDF spokesman says military doing ‘everything’ to ensure hostages aren’t harmed in new Gaza op
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
IDF spokesman, Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, in his press conference, says the IDF is doing “everything” to prevent harm to the hostages Hamas is holding in Gaza during the new offensive against the terror group.
“The fighting is being conducted in full coordination with the Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters. We are doing everything to prevent harm to the hostages. They are before our eyes at all times,” he says.
“We are moving forward, and the only thing that can stop us is the return of our hostages home,” Defrin says.
He also justifies the IDF’s vague statements on its operations in Gaza, saying, “Ambiguity is a tool. We won’t share our plans with Hamas. They will see actions on the ground.”
The Times of Israel Community.