This morning, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant entered the Gaza Strip, meeting with IDF troops stationed in Rafah and along the Philadelphi Corridor. Accompanied by high-ranking military officials, including the General of the Southern Command and the Commander of the Gaza Division, Gallant was briefed on recent operations and was shown the location where Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was eliminated.

In discussions with the troops, Minister Gallant highlighted the importance of sustained pressure on Hamas, emphasizing their recent operational successes:

“In any place where Hamas rears its head, it meets the IDF – whether in Rafah, Khan Younis, or Jabaliya – wherever Hamas rises, it is taken down. Your [military] actions led to the conditions that ultimately caused Sinwar to make a mistake [leading to his elimination].”

Gallant reiterated the central goal of military operations in Gaza, focusing on the need for tactical pressure to secure the safe return of hostages: “The central issue here is to continue exerting as much [military] pressure on Hamas as possible, in order to create the conditions necessary to ensure the return of the hostages. Your duty is to exert military pressure, and eliminate and imprison terrorists.”

Addressing the role of both the military and political arms, Gallant stated, “The political echelon must do what is necessary to bring about a deal. You [referring to the troops] must apply military pressure and do what is necessary to create the conditions required for us to carry out a deal. This is our most important mission in Gaza at this time.”

Gallant also highlighted the need for ongoing defensive efforts and operational freedom within Gaza: “We have routine tasks as well – defending Israeli communities and troops, and maintaining our freedom of operation in Gaza. You apply pressure – do what is necessary and we will bring about a deal because you created the conditions for us to carry it out, and I hope that we will do it.”

The visit comes amid intensified military actions, with Gallant’s remarks underscoring Israel’s commitment to maintaining military and strategic pressure on Hamas to achieve both tactical and humanitarian objectives in Gaza.