IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir spoke at the President's Award ceremony for outstanding soldiers, stating: 'For more than a year and a half, we have been fighting shoulder to shoulder.' He added: 'Alongside significant achievements, we still face challenges: foremost is returning our kidnapped brothers and sisters to their homes in Israel. At the same time, we are tasked with defeating Hamas, returning evacuees to their homes, and establishing a stable and secure reality for generations.' According to him, 'Hamas terrorists still hold 59 of our brothers and sisters. The IDF is ready to deliver a decisive blow. We will use all the power at our disposal. If required, we will do this soon.'

