A senior Israeli official, Benny Gantz, who serves in the Emergency War Cabinet and is a former head of the Ministry of Defense, spoke on a radio program and affirmed the country’s ongoing military course. He stated that the Israel Defense Forces would press forward with operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip even after the release of hostages, emphasizing that the campaign would continue if hostage returns are halted. He underscored that the mission is expanding, strengthening, and widening in scope. (Attribution: Reuters)
Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who previously led the IDF as chief of staff, approved the plan for the next phase of the ground operation. This phase is expected to commence following a pause in hostilities in the northern Gaza Strip, signaling a shift to deeper operational activity elsewhere. (Attribution: Reuters)
Jonathan Conricus, serving as the IDF reserve spokesperson, described an upcoming stage that would start after hostilities near the northern sector have concluded. His brief noted a broader aim to dismantle Hamas infrastructure in the area as part of the overall offensive strategy. (Attribution: Reuters)
On the diplomatic front, Josep Borrell, the European Union’s chief diplomat, indicated that any actions in Gaza would be guided by established rules of engagement and international humanitarian norms. His remarks highlighted a desire to balance military objectives with the legal and ethical constraints that accompany armed conflict. (Attribution: Reuters)