
Brig.-Gen. (Ret.) Gal Hirsch, the Coordinator for the Captives and Missing, published the following message to the families of the missing:
"Dear families, even during the fighting, we are making three main efforts:
"1. The intelligence-operational effort
"2. An effort to formulate an assessment of the situation regarding the captives and missing
"3. The government effort to assist the families of the captives and missing
"The searches in the field are continuing and the difficult work of identifying the bodies continues. Many of those who were injured are being treated in hospital and we are investigating every piece of information that could assist us in locating the missing.
"Last night, I spoke with US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens and today I will meet with his deputy, Steven Gillen, who is specially coming to Israel. The warm ties, the heartfelt concern and the American commitment to assist in every way possible is very important to us.
"Many Israelis are contacting us with offers to help and volunteer. I hold in great esteem, appreciate, and am moved by our strong spirit and grows stronger even during the fighting.
"My staff and I are working around the clock for the missing, the captives and their families. Together, we will overcome [obstacles] and we will win."