Israel's Tough Stance on Gaza: Hostage Release First

Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed Israel’s policy in Gaza, stating that “Israel’s policy in Gaza, led by the IDF command with the backing of the political echelon, is clear and unequivocal:

First and foremost, making every effort to secure the release of all hostages within the framework of the Witkoff outline, and building a bridge to defeat Hamas in the future.

Halting humanitarian aid that undermines Hamas’s control over the population, and creating infrastructure for distribution through civilian companies later on.

Relentless strikes on Hamas terrorists and terror infrastructure.

Evacuating the population from combat zones and softening the area with tremendous force from the air, land, and sea, accompanied by heavy equipment to handle explosives and destroy threatening structures, to protect the maneuvering forces. The safety of our soldiers is our top priority.

Clearing the area of terror infrastructure above and below ground, and incorporating the territory, including dominant positions, into Israel’s security zones to protect the communities. Unlike in the past, the IDF does not vacate areas that have been cleared and seized. The IDF will remain in the security zones as a buffer between the enemy and the communities in any temporary or permanent reality in Gaza, similar to Lebanon and Syria.

“To date, hundreds of thousands of residents have been evacuated, and dozens of percent of the territory have been added to the security zones. At the same time, the plan for the voluntary relocation of Gaza residents is being advanced.

For the first time, Egypt has also set as a condition for a comprehensive deal and the end of the war the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza. In meetings and discussions with the Southern Command commander, division commanders, brigade commanders, and battalion commanders leading the campaign in Gaza at the head of regular and reserve forces, there is a high level of determination and absolute confidence in the necessity of the war’s objectives and the ability to achieve them, to release all the hostages and not leave an enemy of this kind near our border.

If Hamas persists in its refusal, the operations will expand and move to the next stages. The IDF is strong and determined. The citizens of Israel have someone to rely on.”

Maariv contributed to this article.