The Hostages Families Headquarters responded to the IDF's announcement that it intends to operate in areas of Gaza where it has not yet operated, stating: "Can anyone guarantee us that this decision won't cost the lives of our loved ones? This is a tangible and immediate danger to their fate." The headquarters also stated that they "expect the Prime Minister, Defense Minister and senior IDF officials to urgently explain to Israeli citizens and the families what the combat plan is and exactly how it protects the hostages still in Gaza. We can only recall with horror the murder of six hostages in August last year."