Hamas has stated that it will not move Israeli hostages out of areas in the Gaza Strip that the IDF has ordered to be evacuated, putting the responsibility on the Israeli government if captives are killed. The IDF has issued evacuation orders for several areas in the Strip, two and a half weeks after the collapse of a hostage-truce deal. Hamas has previously threatened to execute hostages if Israeli troops approach the areas where they are being held. The statement from Hamas came after IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir met with the families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.