IDF spokesperson warns public against spreading rumors, as army readies for hostage release

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari says the military is readying for the release of the Hamas-held hostages, while vowing that it will continue the fighting against the terror group after the temporary ceasefire ends.

“The IDF, with all the relevant bodies, is carrying out an orderly procedure ahead of the release of the hostages,” Hagari says.

“We have a duty to do everything to return the hostages, the elderly and women, the men and the children. This is a complex process that may take time and a number of stages,” he says.

Hagari says there may be attempts by Hamas to use “psychological terror” against the Israeli public. “Please prevent circulating rumors, and unsubstantiated reports. We are talking about lives here,” he says.

“We have before us a long fight, and we are determined to carry out the goals of the war… dismantling Hamas’s abilities and creating conditions for the release of the hostages,” Hagari says.

Answering a question, Hagari says that if and when the pause in fighting is announced, “We will know how to carry out an operational halt.” He stresses that “the return of the hostages is a supreme goal [of this operation].”