Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari November 26th, 20:15

Good Evening.

Today, Hagar, Ofri, Yuval, Oriya, Chen, Agam, Gal, Tal, Dafna, Ela, Elma, Aviva, Ron and Avigail returned home.
4 year old Avigail Idan, orphaned after her parents were murdered by the brutal terror organization Hamas, is a hero and is a living example that the war against Hamas is uniquely justified. This is a war against an evil and cruel enemy, and like Avigail, each and every one of the returned hostages has family or close ones who were murdered or are still being held hostage. That is an unbearable pain to carry. Elma, who was returned to us in critical condition, was immediately taken to hospital by helicopter where she is being treated now. She was evacuated by IDF troops from inside the Gaza Strip. For medical reasons and in order to ensure the security of those returning, IDF troops evacuated some of them from the center of the Gaza Strip near the area of Be’eri in full coordination with Egyptian security forces. Four hostages - one Israeli and three Thai civilians, were returned via the Rafah crossing in Egypt. After an initial medical examination, the returned hostages have just now arrived at the Hatzerim Airbase and from there will continue to the hospital. There, their family and loved ones are waiting. This is an emotional day, but we will not forget for a moment the hostages that have been held captive for 51 days by the murderous terrorist organization, Hamas: they are being held hostage in Gaza. There is still much work to be done and our mission will not be complete until everyone, everyone, will return home. This is the moral obligation of every IDF soldier and commander, together with the security establishment. The IDF continues to plan and prepare for the continuation of the war. The Chief of the General Staff visited the Southern Command and approved plans for the continuation of the war.

A few weeks ago, I provided an update on a significant strike against Hamas, that the organization attempted to hide the outcome. Today, I can confirm that [two weeks ago,] the IDF and ISA killed five senior Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Each one played an active and key role in the organization that was dedicated to terrorist activities against Israel civilians, and were central partners in the October 7th massacre.

Over recent days, we published homefront directives, that included loosening certain restrictions. I ask that the public remain updated on the Homefront Command’s different websites regarding these changes. We remain vigilant and will not become complacent, even during this period. Please continue to follow the updated directives that are published everyday.