In a statement to the media, IDF spokesman Brigadier General Daniel Hagari referred to the announcement by Hamas, which accepted the Egyptian proposal for a cease-fire, and said: "We are examining every answer very seriously, and exhaust every possibility regarding negotiations and the return of the hostages to their homes as quickly as possible as a concentrated task. At the same time, we continue to operatein the Gaza Strip and will continue to do so." (Roy Rubinstein)