Israeli government news conference after more than 100 killed in new Gaza strikes

Key Concepts

• Deceased Hostages: Refers to hostages confirmed to be dead but whose remains are still held by Hamas in Gaza.
• Ceasefire Agreement: An understanding or pact between Israel and Hamas, often brokered with international involvement (e.g., by the US and President Trump), to halt hostilities.
• Hamas Deception: Allegations that Hamas is deliberately misleading Israel, the US, and the international community regarding the whereabouts of hostages and their adherence to agreements.
• IDF (Israel Defense Forces): The military forces of Israel.
• Operational Control: Areas within Gaza where the IDF has the authority to conduct military operations.
• Enforcement Strikes: Israeli military actions taken in response to violations of a ceasefire agreement.
• Propaganda: Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.

Summary

Opening Remarks and Soldier's Death

Shosh Pedrosian, spokeswoman for the National Public Diplomacy Directorate in the Prime Minister's Office, began by acknowledging the ongoing situation of murdered hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, stating that 13 deceased hostages remain in captivity. She emphasized Israel's commitment to bringing them home despite Hamas's "stunts and games."

The briefing opened with the somber news of the death of Master Sergeant Reserves Yona Effie Ary Feldbomb, aged 37, from Zedit Ran. He was killed in battle in southern Gaza yesterday when Hamas breached a ceasefire. Master Sergeant Feldbomb was an American and Israeli citizen and a father of five. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of major and will be laid to rest at Mount Herzel. Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed condolences, stating that Feldbomb "fought heroically against the Hamas murderers and gave his life for the security of Israel." Since the war began, 921 IDF soldiers have been killed.

Hostages and Hamas Deception

Pedrosian reiterated that no remains of the 13 murdered hostages have been returned, following what she described as "extremely tense 48 hours filled with deception, lies, and cheating by Hamas." She accused Hamas of cheating Israel, President Trump, and the Americans, despite Israel upholding its side of an agreement with the US. Citing Winston Churchill, she noted that "A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on," and criticized some members of the press for repeating Hamas propaganda instead of challenging it.

Israel possesses evidence and intelligence, including drone video, indicating that Hamas is holding onto the remains of hostages to prolong the conflict and "pull stunts." The remains of murdered hostage Oir Sarati were reportedly "thrown around, dropped, and played with" by Hamas.

Ceasefire Violations and Israeli Response

Prime Minister Netanyahu met with senior security officials to discuss Hamas's ongoing violations of the agreement. In response to Hamas terrorists attacking IDF forces in Rafa, an area under Israeli operational control according to the ceasefire, Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered forceful and precise strikes against Hamas terrorists and their infrastructure. Approximately 20 air strikes were conducted in retaliation for the soldier's death. The decision was made in coordination with the IDF, and President Trump was informed before the action.

Pedrosian argued that Hamas violated the framework by failing to return all hostages 16 days prior and by attacking Israeli forces. Israel maintains overall security control and will enforce the framework in coordination with US allies. She criticized media coverage that focused on Israel's air strikes without providing the context of Hamas's violations, leading to a "misleading narrative that Israel strikes Gaza without cause." She urged the international community to recognize Hamas's deception and hold them accountable for undermining deescalation efforts.

As part of Israel's response, dozens of terror targets and terrorists were struck, including over 30 terrorists holding command positions within Hamas. This morning, the IDF began renewed enforcement of the ceasefire in response to Hamas's violations.

Question and Answer Session

Question from Kano Wantab (Nikay, Japan): Will Israel conduct air strikes in Gaza if Hamas violates the ceasefire? How can the ceasefire be considered held if the IDF attacks occasionally?

Response: Pedrosian framed the question as unfortunate, suggesting the questioner was part of a group that "just report Israel strikes Gaza." She clarified that Israel strikes Gaza specifically targeting terrorists and their infrastructure in response to the killing of an Israeli soldier and attacks on other soldiers, and to enforce the ceasefire agreement. She reiterated the demand for the return of all hostages and highlighted that Hamas violated the ceasefire 16 days ago, failing to return all hostages within the agreed 72-hour window, with 13 deceased hostages still in captivity. She asserted that Hamas has no interest in returning hostages but in continuing the war.

Question from Or Shaed (Israel Hayam): Reports indicate Hamas will deliver the bodies of two hostages to the ICRC. Can this be confirmed, and are there indications it will happen tonight?

Response: Pedrosian acknowledged the reports but stated that Israel has not received any indication that the bodies will be returned at this time, although Israel is ready to receive them.

Question from Hana Julian (Jewish Edition): Why is Israel continuing to support and observe the ceasefire when Hamas is not holding up its end of the deal and 13 murdered hostages remain in Gaza?

Response: Pedrosian emphasized close coordination with American partners on every step. She stated Israel's desire for the war to end, for a "20-point plan" to be realized, for Gaza to pose no threat to Israel, and for Hamas to have no future role in governing Palestinians, with Gaza being demilitarized and disarmed. She acknowledged that patience is running out, especially after Hamas made commitments to President Trump and the Americans that have not been fulfilled, with the 13 hostages still not returned 16 days later.

Conclusion

The briefing concluded with Pedrosian inviting further questions to the Prime Minister's Office. The overarching message conveyed was Israel's commitment to retrieving its deceased hostages, its frustration with Hamas's persistent deception and violations of ceasefire agreements, and its resolve to enforce security in coordination with its US allies, while also highlighting the human cost of the conflict through the loss of soldiers.