The Chief of the General Staff Speaking to the Troops in the Southern Gaza Strip

The Chief of the General Staff has instructed to expand the ground operation into additional areas.

Today (Sunday), on the eve of the Shavuot holiday, Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, conducted a situational assessment and a field tour in the southern Gaza Strip together with the Commander of the Southern Command, MG Yaniv Asor, the Commander of the Israeli Air Force, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, MG Ghassan Alian, the Commander of the Gaza Division, BG Barak Hiram, and other commanders.

At the conclusion of the situational assessment, the Chief of the General Staff praised the troops for their actions and ordered the expansion of the ground operation into additional areas in both the southern and northern parts of the Gaza Strip, until conditions are created for the return of the hostages and the decisive defeat of Hamas. In addition, the Chief of the General Staff ordered the establishment of additional aid distribution centers.

From the words of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir: “We are in the midst of a powerful and relentless operation – thanks to you, Hamas is losing control. We eliminated the mass murderer Mohammed Sinwar, and to all the other murderers of October 7th we are sending a clear message – your day will come.”

The IDF continues to hold and clear wide areas of terrorists and terrorist infrastructure.

The effort is ongoing on all arenas, according to a structured plan and at an adjusted pace – until all of  the operation’s objectives are achieved: the return of all our hostages and the elimination of Hamas’ governing capabilities and military wing.

We are striking to protect Israeli civilians – the mission is defense, the method is offense.

I wish a quiet and safe Shavuot holiday to you, the soldiers, to your families, and to the Israeli civilians. Special appreciation to the reserve troops and their families, who are operating under great pressure.

To the members of the communities along the borders and contact lines, who have demonstrated since October 7th a spirit of heroism and perseverance — once again, you have proven:
"Where the plow passes — there the border will be drawn."

The Chief of the General Staff in the Southern Gaza Strip:

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