Eyal Zamir: Hamas has one option - to free our hostages

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir released a statement today (Tuesday) to the Israeli public and the soldiers of the IDF, saying that Israel will continue to fight against Hamas until its defeat.

In his statement, Zamir said: “Hamas will face massive firepower. We will expand the ground operation, seize more territory, and destroy terror infrastructure until Hamas is defeated. We are defending ourselves — and that requires attacking.

"Hamas has one option: release the hostages. If a deal is reached, the IDF will adjust operations accordingly.”

The IDF Chief of Staff also implicitly rebuked former IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Yair Golan's claim that Israel "kills babies as a hobby," saying that: "The IDF operates at all times in accordance with IDF values, law, and international law, while maintaining an uncompromising commitment to the security of the State of Israel and its citizens. Any statement casting doubt on the ethical nature of our actions and the morality of our soldiers is unfounded."