IDF Spokesperson: Israeli, Hostage Safety is Priority Amid Hamas War

Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Force, says the Middle Eastern nation is prioritizing the rescue and release of hostages kidnapped by Hamas amid war with the militant group. In an interview with VOA, Lerner said Israel is using its air, land and sea military operation in Gaza to banish Hamas “from the realm of existence.” For updates, VOA’s Peter Clottey spoke to Lerner via Skype.