Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant held a situational assessment on Thursday at the 36th Division, during which he was briefed on the forces' progress in the field, especially their operation in Shifa Hospital in Gaza.
IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen Amir Baram, Maj. Gen. Itai Virov and the Division's high-ranking officers participated in the situational assessment.
Minister Gallant stated during the situational assessment: "I came today to the division whose special forces are operating in Shifa Hospital. There are significant findings - we are working precisely and determinedly, selectively, but very, very determinedly."
"In the past day, we completed the capture and cleansing of western Gaza City; the next stage has begun- the forces are working precisely, determinedly, decisively, with very high coordination between the Air Force, Navy, and ground forces, accompanied by encompassing and strong intelligence."
Gallant emphasized that "as we deepen this operation, up the pressure on Hamas and wear out more headquarters, strike more tunnels, eliminate more operatives, and take out more of the organization's leaders, the larger the chance to return the hostages becomes since this enemy only understands strength and we are explaining well what strength is."
He concluded: "Here you don't hear the background noise, you only hear the thunder of the artillery, the tank treads, and the very precise movement of the infantry and special forces - the performance is at its best."