IDF chief says military will soon expand Gaza offensive unless there’s a hostage deal

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir tells officers in the Gaza Strip today that if there is no hostage deal in the near future, the military will significantly expand its offensive against Hamas.

“We are continuing with the operational pressure and tightening the ring around Hamas as needed, and if we see no progress in the return of the hostages, we will expand our activities to an intense and even more significant move, until we reach the defeat [of Hamas],” Zamir says.

“Hamas is responsible for the start of this war. It now holds the hostages cruelly and is responsible for the difficult state of the population in Gaza. Hamas is mistaken when it comes to our abilities, intentions and determination, just like [Hezbollah chief Hassan] Nasrallah and his top command,” he adds.