Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday outlined Israel's plans for the next phase of its war in Gaza, with a more targeted crackdown in the enclave's northern region and a continued pursuit of Hamas leaders in the south.
The announcement came as Israel continues to withdraw its forces in Gaza to allow thousands of reservists to return to work after coming under international pressure to carry out less intensive combat operations.
“In northern Gaza, we will transition to a new combat approach that is consistent with the Army's successes in the region,” Gallant's office said in a statement outlining guiding principles that reflect de Gallant's opinion for the next phases of the war.
He said the operations would include raids, tunnel demolitions, air and ground strikes and special forces operations.
In the south of the enclave, where the majority of Gaza's 2.3 million people currently live, many in tents and makeshift shelters, the operation will continue to try to eliminate Hamas leaders and free Israeli hostages.
“It will continue as long as it is deemed necessary,” the statement said.
After the war, Gallant declared that Hamas would no longer be in control of Gaza and that Israel would retain its operational freedom of action. However, he said there would be no Israeli civilian presence and that Palestinian units would command the enclave.
“The residents of Gaza are Palestinians, so Palestinian entities will bear responsibility, on the condition that there are no hostile actions or threats against the State of Israel.”
Israel launched its offensive in the Gaza Strip after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas gunmen in which, according to Israeli estimates, around 1,200 people were killed in communities near Gaza and around 240 were taken hostage.
According to Palestinian health authorities, the Israeli offensive killed more than 22,000 people, forced much of the population to flee their homes and reduced large parts of the Gaza Strip to rubble.
Portal This publication, including information and data, is the intellectual property of Portal. Their use or name is expressly prohibited without the prior permission of Portal. All rights reserved.