IDF Spokesperson:

Chief of Staff in the Gaza Strip: "We will soon move on to the next phase of Operation ‘Gideon's Chariots’, in which we will continue to intensify our attacks on Hamas in Gaza City until it is defeated. Operation Gideon's Chariots has achieved its objectives. Hamas no longer has the capabilities it had before the operation. We have dealt it a severe blow. The IDF has a moral obligation to bring the kidnapped home, both the living and the dead."

Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir conducted a field tour of the Gaza Strip today (Sunday) with Southern Command Commander Maj. Gen. Yaniv Ashur, Operations Directorate Director Maj. Gen. Itzik Cohen, 36th Division Commander Brigadier General Moran Omer, brigade commanders, and other commanders.

The Chief of Staff spoke with the battalion and brigade commanders in the field, explained the plans for the future, and emphasized his appreciation for their activities in the Gaza Strip these days.

Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said: "Today we are approving the plan for the next stage of the war.
As in recent operations in Iran, Yemen, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Gaza, we will continue to change the security reality.
We will maintain the momentum of Operation Gideon's Chariots while focusing on the city of Gaza. We will continue to attack until Hamas is defeated, with the kidnapped victims in mind.
We will act with a sophisticated, measured, and responsible strategy. The IDF will use all its capabilities on land, in the air, and at sea to strike Hamas with force.
Soon we will move on to the next phase of Operation Gideon's Chariots, in which we will continue to intensify our strikes against Hamas in Gaza City until it is defeated. Operation Gideon's Chariots has achieved its objectives. Hamas no longer has the capabilities it had before the operation; we have dealt it a severe blow.