IDF chief says Gaza City op focused on ‘moral commitment’ of freeing hostages, destroying Hamas

As the military carries out a new offensive against Hamas in Gaza City, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, in a video statement, reiterates that the return of the hostages “is a war aim and a national and moral commitment,” amid concerns by the families of those held captive by the terror group.

“In the past day, after extensive discussions with the political echelon, the IDF has significantly deepened the operation in the city of Gaza. We are operating in the depths of the territory, combining ground forces, precise fire, and quality intelligence. Our aim is to deepen the blows to Hamas until its defeat,” he says.

“All our operations are carried out according to an orderly plan, with the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas before our eyes,” Zamir says.

He says that Hamas has taken heavy blows from Israel: “We have defeated the main part of its military power, and now we are deepening the achievements that will allow us to bring the end of the war closer.”

“I want to emphasize: the return of our hostages is a war aim and a national and moral commitment,” Zamir says.

Ahead of the operation, Zamir was reported to have objected to the capture of Gaza City, which was ultimately ordered by Israel’s political leadership.

In his statement, Zamir says, “The IDF is the people’s army, that is its source of strength. The IDF serves the people and acts for its sake.”

“As commander of the army, it is my duty to present before every operation all the possible security implications. All the risks and opportunities were presented to the political echelon clearly and professionally. This is my duty, and under this I lead the operation, together with an excellent and experienced echelon of commanders in order to meet all the objectives responsibly and securely,” he says.

Regarding accusations of war crimes in Gaza, Zamir says, “The IDF operates according to international law, we are doing our utmost to prevent harm to civilians.”

“In this campaign, we are acting in order to defeat a terror organization that declares from every platform that its goal is to eliminate the existence of the State of Israel,” he adds.