IDF chief says military will conquer more of Gaza if Hamas keeps refusing hostage deal; tells Gazans: ‘Hamas brought this destruction upon you’

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, in a video statement, says the military will capture more territory in the Gaza Strip if Hamas continues to refuse to agree to a hostage deal.

“Hamas will pay the price for its refusal, it will face intense firepower, we will expand the ground maneuver, conquer additional territory, clear and destroy the terror infrastructure until its defeat,” Zamir says.

“We are defending ourselves, and for that we must attack,” he says.

Zamir says, “Hamas has one option, and that is to release our hostages. If there is an agreement, the IDF will know how to adjust its activity accordingly.”

Zamir also delivers remarks to Gazans, telling them that Hamas is responsible for their suffering:

“I wish to address the residents of Gaza: We are not the ones who brought this destruction upon you. We did not start the war. We did not rob you of food, shelter, or money. We are not the ones hiding in hospitals or schools. We are not the ones staying in luxury hotels while you live in hardship. This is your leadership, those who are holding our hostages.

“Hamas is responsible for starting the war. It is responsible for the dire situation of the population,” he continues. “It destroyed, and it will not be the one to rebuild.”

He also relates to controversial remarks made earlier today by The Democrats chairman Yair Golan, who said the IDF was killing babies in Gaza “as a hobby.”

“The IDF operates at all times in accordance with the IDF’s values, the law and international law, while uncompromisingly safeguarding the security of the State of Israel and its citizens,” Zamir says.

“Any statement that casts doubt on the integrity of our actions and the morality of our fighters is baseless,” Zamir adds.

Zamir had visited Gaza today to hold an assessment with Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, and 98th Division commander Brig. Gen. Guy Levi.