Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari November 2nd, 10:45

Readout

Good morning,
IDF soldiers continue to advance in the area of Gaza City and are conducting close combat battles with Hamas terrorists and expanding the fighting.

Overnight, IDF troops fought against a large number of terrorists who tried to ambush them. At the end of the battles spanning a few hours, including fighting from the ground with air support from aircraft and missile ships, many terrorists were killed.

The soldiers continue to destroy Hamas’ defensive lines in northern Gaza and are working to secure central areas. We are continuing to intensify the activities and are advancing according to the plans and goals we set for ourselves.
The battle is advancing as we planned, in every battle we have the upper hand and this is how we will continue to advance.
The logistical effort continues. We are continuing to supply our soldiers in the battlefield with ammunition and defensive equipment. The Technological and Logistical Directorate is doing this at full force. We understand that we have to bring more and the forces are receiving what they need.

In the North

We continue to strike Hezbollah targets along the border and eliminate terrorist cells that plan to launch anti-tank missiles, rockets and mortars into Israeli territory.
In the last hour, IDF soldiers struck posts that fired and shot mortars towards Israel, in the areas of Har Dov, the Hermon and other areas. We also eliminated a number of terrorist cells who fired in the last hour as well. Last night a surface-to-air missile was fired at an Israeli UAV by a terrorist cell. The UAV was not damaged and the cell was struck.
We continue to defend the northern border with great strength and strike from the ground and air any attempt to fire at or infiltrate Israel. I want to emphasize -
The IDF is highly prepared to respond forcefully to anyone who tries to undermine the security situation in the north. We are very strongly prepared along the northern border.

On the Home Front

Yesterday, the defense guidelines were updated again in order to allow certain aspects of routine, without compromising your safety. I would like to emphasize - injury can occur from shrapnel from interceptions and fallen rockets, if you leave the shelter too early. You have to wait until the end of the instructions. It is 10 minutes. You need to let it pass as needed. After that, you may leave. This has a great importance.

Be sure to follow the instructions in full, and stay in the shelter until the danger passes. Only by strictly following these instructions can we save lives. The conduct on the home front is exemplary. You have to continue this way, it helps us advance in the fighting when you do this.

Fallen Soldiers and Hostages:

So far, we have notified the families of 242 hostages. I repeat 242 hostages. We are committed to the national mission of returning everyone home.
So far, we have notified the families of 332 fallen IDF soldiers.
We are embracing the families. We will continue to support them.
Our hearts are also with the families of the injured. We are with them, and we wish them a speedy recovery.