Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has confirmed the conclusion of intensive fighting by the Israeli armed forces in the northern Gaza Strip. Gallant also indicated that the intense phase of the ground offensive in the southern part of the sealed-off coastal strip, specifically in the area of the city of Khan Younis, is expected to conclude soon.
Gallant expressed confidence that, at the conclusion of the conflict, there would be no military threat emanating from Gaza. He asserted that Hamas would be incapable of functioning as a military force in the Gaza Strip, providing the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) with full freedom of action to ensure the defense of Israeli citizens.
He stated, “It may take a long time, but it would end with a single scenario, total victory.” Gallant emphasized that the Israeli army would maintain military pressure to secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza. He argued that without military pressure, negotiations for the release of hostages would be unlikely, claiming that only from a position of strength could hostages be freed.
The Defence Minister’s statements come amid increasing international pressure on Israel to reduce the intensity of attacks and minimize civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip. The United States has urged Israel to shift from heavy bombing to more targeted strikes against the militant organization Hamas.