IDF Chief of Staff: We will crush Hamas - but leave door open to deal

The IDF Chief of Staff said today (Sunday) that the aim of Operation Gideon's Chariots is to destroy Hamas wherever the IDF operates, while allowing the political leadership the room to reach a hostage deal.

Here is the full statement:

"The IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, conducted a field tour and situation assessment today (Sunday) in the northern Gaza Strip with the Southern Command Commander, Major General Yaniv Asur, the 162nd Division Commander, Brigadier General Sagiv Dahan, and additional commanders.

"The Chief of Staff spoke with the commanders and soldiers of the 401st Brigade operating in the field and approved plans for the continuation of the fighting, saying that "we launched Operation 'Gideon's Chariots' this past weekend; we will continue until we break the enemy's fighting capability, until we defeat it wherever we operate. We cannot return to October 7th. There are two main objectives before us: returning the hostages and defeating Hamas.

"The IDF will provide flexibility to the political echelon to advance any hostage deal.

"A hostage deal. It's not a halt, it's an achievement. We are working toward this.

"Continue to operate, fulfill your missions, and strike the enemy. I am aware of the magnitude of the hour and the challenges ahead. Great appreciation, I trust you."