IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir on Tuesday conducted a situational assessment and field tour in the Gaza Strip together with the Commander of the Southern Command, the Commander of the 98th Division, and additional commanders.
"I wish to address the residents of Gaza," he began. "We are not the ones who brought this destruction upon you. We are not the ones who started this war. We are not the ones who have deprived you of food, shelter, and money. We do not hide in hospitals or schools. We do not live in luxury hotels while you live in hardship. This is your leadership — the ones holding our hostages."
"Hamas is responsible for starting the war. It is responsible for the difficult situation of the civilian population — it brought destruction, and it will not be the one to rebuild."
Zamir stressed: "Hamas has one option — to release our hostages. If an agreement is reached, the IDF will know how to adjust its operations accordingly."
"The IDF operates at all times in accordance with IDF values, Israeli law, and international law, while maintaining an uncompromising commitment to the security of the State of Israel and its civilians. Any statement that casts doubt on the integrity of our actions or the morality of our soldiers is baseless."