Israeli chief of general staff says enemy has ‘not disappeared’

Israeli Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir has warned troops in the Gaza Strip against becoming complacent ahead of an impending ceasefire.

I ask you, while all of Israel watches the screens and celebrates the release of the hostages, to remain alert. The enemy is here – they have not disappeared,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

“Our work is not yet finished; we will not rest until we see our last hostage returned, the fallen given burial, and we ensure the security of the State of Israel.”

Zamir described the current situation as “historic days” and praised the military pressure and ground operations that contributed to the conditions for the planned return of the remaining 48 hostages and the initial end to the conflict.

“We must manage the transition to a ceasefire in a measured, professional and orderly manner. The safety of our troops is at the top of the operational priority list,” he said.

Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas reached an initial agreement earlier on Thursday as part of efforts to end the Gaza conflict.