Hamas holding at least 222 hostages, says IDF

Admin I Monday, Oct. 23, 2023

GAZA – At least 222 hostages have been abducted to the Gaza Strip after the terrorist attack by the Islamist Hamas movement, according to the Israeli army.

The relatives of the abductees have been informed, army spokesman Daniel Hagari said on Monday.

Among the hostages are German citizens, with whom, however, the German government has no contact.

The army assumes that most of the hostages are still alive. Two US hostages were released on Friday.

More than 1,000 terrorists attacked Israel on behalf of Hamas on October 7, carrying out massacres in the border area. Since then, Israel has suffered more than 1,400 deaths.

In response to the massacres, Israel launched airstrikes on the densely populated Gaza Strip. According to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health in Gaza, more than 4,650 people have been killed there. The numbers could not be independently verified.

However,  the Chief of the General Staff haa restated the mission of IDF in Palestine.

“We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismateling- its leaders, its military branch, and its working mechanisms. That is why we are striking, and eliminating high ranking commanders and members, destroying infrastructure, and acting with great determination.

“The path is a path of unrelenting attacks, damaging Hamas everywhere and in every way. We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south. The Southern Command has quality operational plans.

“There are tactical, operative, strategic considerations that have provided additional time, and troops who have more time are better prepared, and that is what we are doing now. I am fully aware of the commitment shown in all of the IDF, both in regular and reserve duty, and it is displayed everywhere.”