The IDF spokesman responded to publications according to which there is concern that the kidnapped women are suffering from sexual abuse in Gaza. "In continuation to the statements that have been made in the past day regarding the situation of the hostages in Gaza, the discourse on the issue is irresponsible, inaccurate and should be avoided," said the IDF spokesman. He also said: " We are using intelligence to monitor the situation of the hostages around the clock, and demand that all international organizations verify their situation, their security and provide them with medical care – both men and women. Every moment in captivity endangers the hostages. We are doing everything we can to bring them home as soon as possible." US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller yesterday referred to the fact that Hamas refused to release some of the hostages. Related articles: Family of hostage Matan Angrest to reveal footage from kidnapping "Eid Mubarak". “Let us love, Let us be loved” Hamas captivity survivors take off for US Israel passes counter-proposal for ceasefire to mediators "The fact that it seems one of the reasons they don't want to turn women over that they've been holding hostage and the reason this pause fell apart, is they don't want those women to be able to talk about what happened to them during their time in custody," said Miller. The IDF spokesman for the foreign media also said that the army is concerned that women who were kidnapped to Gaza and were not released in the latest deal are facing sexual abuse in Gaza.
