Israel: No ceasefire in Gaza until Hamas provides names of returning prisoners

Says IDF will continue to operate in Gaza

TEL AVIV, Israel – The Israeli Defence Forces, IDF has insisted that the ceasefire due to go into effect today in Gaza will not happen.

In a statement, IDF Spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the ceasefire deal is pending because Hamas has failed to furniture the state of Israel with the names of returning female prisoners.

“As of this morning, Hamas has not fulfilled its obligation, and contrary to the agreement, has not provided the State of Israel with the names of the returning female hostages.

“The ceasefire will not come into effect so long as Hamas does not fulfill its obligation”, Hagari said.

He added that in a special IDF and ISA covert operation, the abducted fallen soldier Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul, Oron, who fell in battle in Shejaiya on July 20th, 2014, during Operation “Protective Edge,” and was abducted by Hamas organization, was rescued from Gaza.

He said the IDF and ISA representatives delivered the news to the Shaul family this morning.

“We embrace the family and share their grief”, he said, adding”this was a significant intelligence and operational undertaking that lasted over the past decade since his fall and abduction, and especially during the war and over the past few days.

“The IDF and ISA worked around the clock for many years to bring Oron, may his memory be a blessing, to burial in Israel”, he said.

Hagari noted that the special operation was conducted by special units from the Military Intelligence Directorate, Shayetet 13, and with ISA operatives on the ground.

” They worked intensively in recent days in a complex operational effort to do everything possible to bring Oron home for burial.

“During Operation “Protective Edge,” the fallen soldier Lieutenant Hadar Goldin was also abducted. The IDF has been working for years to bring him back, and this morning, we reiterate our commitment to Hadar and his dear family to bring him home.

“The IDF is deeply committed to returning all hostages. The IDF and ISA will continue to make every effort to bring all the hostages home, whether through operational and intelligence actions or as part of the agreement.

This morning, we all expect the implementation of the agreement to return the hostages. As of this morning, Hamas has not fulfilled its obligation, and contrary to the agreement, has not provided the State of Israel with the names of the returning female hostages. The ceasefire will not come into effect so long as Hamas does not fulfill its obligations.

“At the direction of the Prime Minister, the IDF will continue to operate in the Gaza Strip area as long as Hamas does not fulfill its obligations, with all that this entails”, he said.