IDF chief said to warn ministers further fighting in Gaza endangers hostages

Defence affairs

Israel’s military chief has advised cabinet ministers against ordering the Israel Defense Forces to expand operations in the Gaza Strip, over fears that doing so could significantly endanger the lives of hostages still held in the Palestinian enclave, according to Hebrew media accounts Monday.

Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reportedly made the comments to ministers Sunday night during discussions over efforts to reach a deal with Hamas for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in the Gaza Strip. He also expressed fears that hostages were being subjected to intensifying torture, outlets including Channel 13, Channel 12, and Haaretz said.

“There is serious abuse of the hostages and their situation is grave,” Zamir said, according to the reports, which cited sources with knowledge of his comments.

Fifty hostages remain in Gaza, of whom some 20 are thought to still be alive.

“I am in favor of defeating Hamas,” Zamir said, “But the more we deepen the operation now, the more we endanger the hostages.”