Following the October 7 assault on Israel by Hamas militants, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that three Israelis remained missing. The spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, shared this assessment after a comprehensive review of all potential scenarios and the information available to the IDF, including the ongoing search and investigative efforts. [Source: IDF spokesman]
Hagari also noted that the total count of hostages currently held in the Gaza Strip stands at 136. This figure reflects the outcomes of continuous monitoring, intelligence collection, and coordination with concerned parties as the IDF and allied agencies pursue every viable lead. [Source: IDF spokesman]
Prior to these updates, international hearings were scheduled regarding South Africa’s objection to Israeli military actions in Gaza. The proceedings were set to take place in The Hague on January 11-12, with representatives from South Africa expected to speak on one day and Israeli officials on the other. [Source: international observers]
The broader context remained tense as the Middle East situation deteriorated following the October 7 infiltration of Israeli territory by thousands of Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip. Reports indicated that more than two hundred hostages had been captured during the broader escalation. [Source: news agencies]
In response to the assault, Hamas launched thousands of rockets into Israel, declaring the initiation of what it called Operation Al Aqsa Flood. In reaction, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the nation was at war and pledged a resolute response. [Source: government briefings]
Netanyahu later affirmed the commitment to confront Hamas with full resolve, emphasizing the aim to degrade and ultimately dismantle the organization’s capabilities. The statements underscored a sustained, nationwide effort to ensure security for Israeli civilians and to restore stability to the region. [Source: official remarks]