Israeli Defense Minister: Ground Attack on Hamas is Part of Effort to Free Hostages

Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Defense Minister, met on Sunday, October 29, with the families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli Ministry of Defense stated that Gallant told the families of the hostages: "The ground operation is intertwined with the effort to bring back the hostages." He said, "If military pressure is not applied to Hamas, nothing will progress." He added, "We are fighting animals, not people. It is complex, filled with hope and despair. I am determined to win the war, and bringing back the hostages is part of that victory." Meanwhile, Pope Francis, the leader of the world's Catholics, called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on Sunday and again urged Hamas militants to release the hostages. Since the onset of Hamas's attacks on October 7, which left at least 1,400 dead and over 200 captured, including children, women, and the elderly, Israel has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. The Times of Israel previously quoted Michael Herzog, Israel's ambassador to the U.S., stating that Israel is "giving an opportunity to Gaza's terrorist groups to release the hostages." Reuters also reported before Israel announced the second phase of the war with Gaza, citing three diplomats and a knowledgeable source in the region, that "as Israel prepares for a ground attack on Gaza, Qatari mediators are urging Hamas to expedite the process of releasing the hostages." Qatar is coordinating with the U.S. to lead negotiations with Hamas and Israeli officials for the release of hostages. So far, Hamas has released four of its civilian hostages, two American citizens and two Israeli citizens. Reuters sources indicated that discussions for the release of hostages do not include Israeli soldiers captured by Hamas. The United States, Israel, the European Union, and Japan consider Hamas a terrorist organization. Thousands of Jews living in Canada gathered to express sympathy for the victims of the Hamas attack. On the 23rd day of the war, Israel destroyed 450 Hamas positions and engaged in conflict with Hezbollah in the north. Hamas's rocket attacks targeted Israeli cities; Palestinians looted a United Nations warehouse. The White House stated: "We will respond to attacks from the Islamic Republic and its proxy groups." The U.S. and Britain reiterated Israel's right to defend itself. Britain and France emphasized humanitarian aid to Gaza; Israel opened the second water pipeline to Gaza. Sullivan: The U.S. is asking Israel "difficult" questions about the Gaza operation. Pope Francis: Hamas should release the hostages. Israel: Several armed Hamas members were killed in the ground operation.