Gallant says Israel has ‘moved to new phase’ in war against Hamas: ‘The earth in Gaza shook’

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says Israel has “moved to a new phase” in the war against Hamas, after ground forces pushed into Gaza and the military bombarded terror targets in the Strip overnight.

“The earth in Gaza shook,” Gallant is quoted saying in a statement from his office. “We attacked above ground and below ground, we attacked terror operatives of all ranks, in all places. The commands to the forces are clear: The operation will continue until a new order.”

He adds: “Regarding other areas, we are preparing to defend Israeli citizens, to safeguard their security. We are doing this in the north, the center and everywhere.”

Gallant’s remarks come after he met with top security officials, including the heads of the IDF, Shin Bet and Mossad. The defense chief’s office says he laid out “the direction of action concerning the main efforts” in the war, including “the military effort, the effort to free the captives, the civil effort and the humanitarian effort.”