Israel National News reports: “IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir issued a statement this evening (Tuesday) regarding the expansion of the operation in Gaza City, with the objective of defeating Hamas and securing the release of the hostages.

‘I want to emphasize: the return of our hostages is a war objective and a national and moral duty,’ the Chief of Staff said. ‘We have mobilized thousands of reservists to support the campaign, and they are operating alongside the regular forces. I wish to express my deep appreciation to them and to their families, who bear a heavy burden. They are the spearhead of the IDF and the guarantee of Israel’s security.’

‘Our objective is to enhance the strikes on Hamas until its decisive defeat. All our actions are carried out according to an orderly plan, with the return of the hostages and the decisive defeat of Hamas at the forefront of our minds. Hamas has been struck and weakened; we have defeated its core military power, and now we are expanding the achievement that will bring the end of the war closer,’ he said…”