In discussions between the military and hostages' families, it was stated that the operation in Gaza City might begin, increasing the risk to hostages. The IDF doesn't have clear information about where the hostages are located, but there are assessments regarding their presence in the area. A military source told ynet that "it's difficult to predict how Hamas will treat the hostages, whether they'll protect them or use them as shields, or kill some of them to manipulate the situation." The IDF intends to exercise caution in locations where hostages are believed to be held. The military is preparing for the possibility that hostages will be moved from their current locations, under the cover of hundreds of thousands of people crossing southward as part of the evacuation of Gaza City through safe corridors where the IDF will not fire.