Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the Rafah area in southern Gaza on Tuesday, where he reviewed operational plans and defensive preparations amid ongoing military operations against Hamas.
During the field tour, Zamir was accompanied by Gaza Division Commander Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram, Givati Brigade Commander Colonel L. and other senior officers. He addressed soldiers in the field, reinforcing the IDF’s dual commitment to protecting Israeli communities and securing the return of hostages.
“Your mission is to protect the communities here,” Zamir stated. “We are engaged in an ongoing operation against Hamas, alongside the IDF’s full obligation to bring back the hostages.”
The visit comes as the IDF continues its military activities in Rafah, a key area in the conflict against Hamas, with a focus on both offensive and defensive measures.
The IDF announced early on Tuesday morning that it had launched “extensive” strikes against terror targets in Gaza. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said the operation came after Hamas rebuffed several proposals from U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff and others.
“Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The goal of the campaign remains to achieve “the objectives of the war as they have been determined by the political echelon, including the release of all of our hostages, the living and the deceased,” the statement added.
According to the most recent Israeli government assessments, there are 59 captives remaining under the control of Palestinian terrorists in Gaza. Of those, 24 are believed to still be alive.
