IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin delivered a statement this evening, providing an update on the ongoing military operations across multiple fronts.
"While operating in Gaza, we are also continuing offensive and defensive activities on the Lebanese border, in Syria and in Judea and Samaria. We continue to monitor developments in Iran," Defrin stated. "The IDF is in a multi-arena war, we are operating and will continue to operate in order to protect our civilians on all our borders."
According to Defrin, IDF troops are continuing combat operations throughout the Gaza Strip and on the outskirts of Gaza City as part of Operation Gideon's Chariots. Earlier today, soldiers from the Kfir Brigade thwarted a terrorist attack on a brigade post in southern Khan Yunis. Troops identified over fifteen terrorists emerging from a tunnel shaft and engaged them with gunfire and RPGs. In the ensuing battle, supported by tanks and air units, nine terrorists were eliminated and others injured. Several terrorists who entered a nearby building were also neutralized. One soldier was seriously wounded in the incident.
"In accordance with the directives of the political leadership and following the approval of the plans by the Chief of the General Staff, the IDF has begun the next phase of the war, phase two of Operation Gideon's Chariots," Defrin announced.
He emphasized that Hamas has been significantly weakened. "From a military terrorist organization, it has become a battered and bruised guerrilla organization. We will deepen the damage to Hamas in Gaza City, a stronghold of governmental and military terror for the terrorist organization."
Currently, the Nahal Brigade and the 7th Brigade, under the 99th Division, are operating in the Zeitoun area on the outskirts of Gaza City, while the Givati Brigade, under the 162nd Division, is active in Jabaliya. Troops have already located an underground tunnel containing weapons inside Gaza City.
As operations expand, Defrin said the IDF is also increasing humanitarian efforts led by COGAT, including establishing additional aid distribution centers in southern Gaza and warning civilians to evacuate combat zones to reduce harm.
Looking ahead, approximately 60,000 reserve orders will be issued at the beginning of September, with an additional 20,000 extended for units already in operation. Defrin noted the importance of balancing the responsibilities of reserve and active-duty troops.
The IDF, he said, continues to work closely with the Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters. "The hostages are at the forefront of our mind at all times," he stressed. "We will continue to operate to ensure security for civilians, the return of the hostages, and the collapse of the Hamas regime."