Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari November 30th, 21:00

Good Evening,

Tonight, dear Mia and Amit returned to us. How we waited for you. At this hour, we continue to wait for the return of additional hostages, who are meant to come back tonight according to the framework that was agreed upon. 

Overnight, we insisted on continuing the current agreement to bring back the hostage women and children and this is what we will do [tonight] for tomorrow as well. The mediators, Qatar and Egypt, are also obligated to carry out the set agreement in order for the pause to continue. The IDF is prepared to continue the war. We are prepared for our offensive at all times. Tonight, and also tomorrow, we are prepared to strike at any hour. We are maintaining a high level of preparedness, on all borders and in all areas. The terror organization, Hamas, put out a vicious and horrible video of Yarden Bibas. Our hearts are with him and the entire Bibas family. We will continue to take every action needed to return our hostages home. This is the psychological warfare that Hamas uses against the families of the hostages, the citizens of Israel, and the whole world, with the purpose to exert pressure, to cause pain, and to harm our morale. 

Hamas’ claims regarding the Bibas family are not confirmed. I repeat- they still are not confirmed. This emphasizes what the mediators and the world must demand from Hamas - the return of women and children hostages, and the medical examination of the hostages by the Red Cross or another international organization. This is the framework, and this is the deal that was agreed upon. This is what we are preparing for tomorrow as well. Our hearts are with the families of the hostages, and also with the families whose loved ones have not yet returned. 

We have a deep moral obligation to do everything in our power in order to bring all of the hostages back home.

This morning, three civilians were murdered in a terror attack in Jerusalem. In the afternoon, a car ramming attack was carried out near a military checkpoint in the Jordan Valley. IDF combat soldiers in reserves killed the terrorist. IDF troops are stationed throughout Judea and Samaria and are thwarting terror attacks, arresting terrorists and are preventing additional attacks. 

Today is the National Day of Appreciation for Israel's Wounded Soldiers and Victims of Terror. We are accompanying the wounded throughout the year, and today more than ever. Injured IDF soldiers: you, more than anyone, know the high and painful toll of war. We embrace the injured in body and mind. In the name of the IDF commanders and soldiers, I salute you and wish you a speedy recovery.