Israeli security officials have privately informed the families of hostages that they do not have specific information on the hostages' current locations, according to a report published by N12 on Wednesday evening.
This admission contrasts with recent public assurances from both political and military leaders, who have emphasized that the military campaign in Gaza is being conducted carefully in areas thought to contain hostages. Families who took part in the private meeting said they were told a different and far more uncertain picture.
According to N12, a senior defense official stated during the meeting that the army cannot confirm where the hostages are.
“We do not know where the hostages are being held,” the official reportedly said. “Our assessment, based on accounts from survivors, is that they are likely in certain areas. However, we do not have precise information. We believe the hostages are being moved frequently, both above ground and through tunnels. Some are likely still in Gaza, including in areas where the IDF is currently operating.”
One family member asked how the military intended to avoid harming hostages during the ongoing operation without knowing exactly where they were. The official replied that although the situation is far from perfect, the IDF is making every effort to protect the hostages.
After the meeting, several relatives told N12 that the message conveyed privately was in sharp contrast to what officials are saying in public. They said the lack of concrete intelligence increases the danger to their loved ones. Families also raised concerns that the hostages might be transferred again, as has already occurred. A recent Hamas video appeared to show hostages in a new location.
Risks remain of Hamas using hostages as human shields
The report from N12 comes amid rising international attention to the hostage issue. Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump posted a message on social media expressing concern that Hamas was relocating hostages to shield them from Israeli military operations. “This is a human atrocity,” Trump wrote. “Release all the hostages now.”
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir also addressed the complexity of the current operation. Speaking from Gaza City, he said the military had presented all possible risks and outcomes to the cabinet before launching Operation Gideon’s Chariots II.
“It is my responsibility as chief of staff to outline the full range of security implications before any decision is made,” Halevi said.
According to N12, Zamir's remarks have added to tensions between the government and the military over the handling of operations in areas where hostages may still be present.