The Israeli military declared on leil Shabbos that it is actively moving to take control of key locations in Gaza as part of preparations to escalate its offensive against Hamas.
According to a statement from the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, “Over the past 24 hours, the IDF has begun extensive strikes and deployed forces to seize strategic areas in the Gaza Strip, as part of the initial stages of Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots’ and the expansion of the campaign in Gaza, to achieve all objectives of the war, including the release of hostages and the defeat of Hamas.”
The statement further emphasized the continued role of the IDF’s Southern Command, saying, “IDF forces under the Southern Command will continue to operate to protect Israeli citizens and fulfill the war’s objectives.”
A senior figure in Israel’s defense establishment recently elaborated on the goals of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, explaining that its purpose is “to defeat and subdue Hamas in Gaza and release all hostages.”
The source outlined the framework guiding the mission, stating, “In accordance with the plan formulated by the Chief of Staff and the IDF Command and approved by the Minister of Defense and the Prime Minister, the IDF will increase its forces and act forcefully to defeat and subdue Hamas and destroy its military and governmental capabilities, while creating strong pressure for the release of all the hostages. A strong protective envelope will be provided to the forces maneuvering from land, air, and sea, while using heavy equipment to neutralize explosive devices and destroy threatening structures.”
As part of its operational strategy, the IDF intends to make a clear distinction between the civilian population in Gaza and Hamas militants.
“A central component of the plan is the broad evacuation of the entire Gazan population from the fighting zones, including northern Gaza, to areas in southern Gaza, while creating a separation between them and Hamas terrorists – in order to allow the IDF operational freedom of action. Unlike in the past, the IDF will remain in any area that is conquered, in order to prevent the return of terrorism, and will handle any area that is cleared in accordance with the Rafah model, where all threats were eliminated and it became part of the security zone.”
Commenting on aid distribution during the operation, the official explained, “A humanitarian plan will be implemented, as presented yesterday by the IDF and approved by the cabinet, that distinguishes between the aid and Hamas by using civilian companies and designating areas that will be secured by the IDF. This includes a sterile zone in the Rafah area beyond the Morag route, where entrants will be screened by the IDF to prevent Hamas operatives from gaining access.”
The announcement from the IDF followed earlier comments from a senior Israeli official cited by Kan 11 News, who warned that if progress isn’t made on a hostage release deal soon, the ground operation in Gaza will commence.
The official made it clear: “Once we start, there will be no pauses.”
{Matzav.com Israel}