Israeli defense minister meets with grieving families after Hamas attacks: 'Determined to win'

Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant meets soldiers on the Israeli border with the Gaza Strip on October 19, 2023 in Sderot, Israel. (Photo by Amir Levy/Getty Images)

Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant met with Israeli hostages' families amid the country's war against Hamas on Sunday.

Gallant told the families that Israel "is determined to win the war," which began on the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah on October 7, when Hamas terrorists assaulted Israeli villages and massacred civilians including children.

“It was important for me to meet and hear from you. Returning the hostages and tracking missing Israelis is a mission of utmost importance," Gallant said. "I have two goals: returning those who were kidnapped and winning this war."

"All the rest is less important right now," he added.

The official also accused Hamas of conducting psychological warfare regarding their communications about the captives.

“The stories published by Hamas are part of their psychological games – and these take a heavy toll on the entire nation of Israel," he explained. "Hamas is cynically using those who are dear to us – they understand the pain and the pressure.”