Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited Gaza this morning and declared that the military is preparing to enter the next stage of its offensive against Hamas, signaling an intensification of the campaign.

Zamir announced that the IDF has approved new operational plans and will continue Operation Gideon’s Chariots, launched in May, with a concentrated focus on Gaza City, the heart of Hamas’ power.

“We will strike Hamas with all capabilities on land, air, and sea until the group is defeated,” Zamir said, while stressing that the fate of Israeli hostages remains central to the IDF’s strategy. He underlined that the approach would remain “sophisticated, measured, and responsible.”

According to Zamir, Hamas has already absorbed severe losses and has been significantly weakened. “The terror group has lost much of its previous strength,” he said, noting that Israel’s campaign is not only about Gaza but part of a long-term, multi-front effort to dismantle the Iran-led axis of terror.

Israeli officials say the coming phase will aim to crush remaining Hamas strongholds while ensuring that humanitarian considerations remain in place, despite the complexity of fighting an enemy embedded among civilians.

The IDF reiterated that its ultimate objective is clear: to restore security for Israel’s citizens and ensure Hamas can never again pose an existential threat.