Israel Defense Forces Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin became visibly emotional on Friday during a briefing detailing the military’s partial withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, in line with the first phase of the Trump peace plan, and amid preparations to receive the 48 hostages still held by Hamas.

“We led the military operation responsibly and systematically, and above all, with determination and with deep love for the people and the land, as demonstrated by our troops,” said Defrin. “This operation produced unprecedented achievements across all sectors and enabled the return of hostages.”

Defrin said that troops under Southern Command have deployed to the agreed readiness lines, known as the “yellow line,” which provide forward operational defense and control along the Gaza Strip. He added that the situation is one of heightened alert and that IDF soldiers will act to neutralize any threats to their security while avoiding unnecessary risks.

“We will do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the southern Negev communities, the south of the country and the State of Israel as a whole,” he said.

Defrin also called on Gaza residents to avoid entering areas under IDF operational control, urging them to honor the agreement and prioritize their own safety.

“On the morning of Simchat Torah two years ago, on October 7th, the most important bond between the IDF and the citizens of Israel was shattered. We were not there for Israeli citizens in their hour of need,” said Defrin.

“Since then,” he continued, “we have not ceased fighting for a moment, and so it shall always be. A brave generation of Israel’s heroes stands firm as a buffer between Israeli citizens and any enemy.”

Defrin noted that in the coming days, the “sacred mission” of returning the hostages will begin and vowed the military will not rest until the operation is fully complete.

“The return of the hostages is due to that very bravery [of IDF troops] and was at the forefront of the minds of each of these soldiers throughout the war,” he added.

Also on Friday, the commander of the IDF’s Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, visited troops from the 828th Brigade who had returned from Gaza after intense and prolonged combat.

Asor praised the troops’ fighting spirit, professionalism and steadfastness throughout the extended operation, adding that their operational achievements helped create the conditions that led to the ceasefire agreement.

“This is not a regular military formation; this is a formation of victory—a victory of good over evil, of light over darkness, of a nation that sanctifies life against vile, murderous barbarians,” said Asor.

“We rose from the ashes; we rose from a painful defeat. And the mutual responsibility across all shades of Israeli society—mandatory service and reserve soldiers, men and women, religious and secular, Jews of all backgrounds—all as one,” he added.

“We have not stopped, we have not ceased, and we will not cease until we bring back all our brothers—the living, and those who are not among the living,” he continued. “You are the generation of the future.”

The post IDF: Gaza war conducted with ‘deep love for the people and the land’ appeared first on JNS.org.