IDF Spokesman, Brig. Gen. Efi Defrin, said in response to journalists' questions that according to defense establishment assessments, there are several hostages in Gaza City. "The hostages are a supreme moral mission for us," he said. Defrin also addressed the length of the operation, saying: "We are working to achieve the war's objectives - it will take as long as it takes. We are not limited by time and estimate it will take several months to take control of the city's centers of gravity and several more months for the rest of the infrastructure."