Hostage families warn IDF against op. in areas where hostages may be

The IDF issued an evacuation warning for residents in the southwestern area of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, an area the IDF has not operated in before.

Families of hostages are "terrified and shaken" by the IDF's earlier statement that it would operate in areas of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, areas it has not yet operated in, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement Friday morning.

"Can anyone guarantee us that this decision will not come at the cost of losing our loved ones?" the forum asked.

IDF in Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued an evacuation warning for residents in the southwestern area of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza earlier in an X/Twitter post.

He called on residents to move south towards al-Mawasi.

"The IDF continues to work with great force to destroy the enemy's capabilities and terrorist infrastructure in the area, expanding its operations in a region it has not operated in before," Adraee said.

The forum urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and senior IDF officials to explain what the IDF's plans in the area are and how they will ensure the safety of the hostages.

"Unfortunately, despite all the spin and false promises, many families have already learned firsthand the consequences of escalating the fighting amid negotiations and the absence of a clear war plan. One can only shudder at the horrific murder of six hostages last August," the forum continued.

End war, return hostages

"Enough! The majority of the Israeli people want an end to the fighting and a comprehensive agreement that will bring back all the hostages."

The forum stressed, "For the hostages, this is not a 'bargaining chip' in negotiations, but an immediate and tangible danger to their fate."