IDF chief vows to protect hostages as Gaza offensive expands

Heavy bombardments were reported in Gaza on Monday, hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he expected Israel’s expanded offensive in the enclave to be completed “fairly quickly.” The new push comes as 50 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, raising urgent concerns for their safety.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, speaking at the General Staff Headquarters in Tel Aviv, declared that Israel is “at the start of a new stage in the fighting in Gaza,” stressing, “We will do everything to protect the hostages and bring them home.” His remarks followed a wide-ranging situational assessment with senior commanders to evaluate operational readiness across all military branches, including the state of reserve units.

The IDF said troops in Khan Yunis destroyed what it described as “significant and strategic” underground infrastructure, eliminated fighters engaged against Israeli forces, and dismantled tunnel shafts. In southern Gaza, an airstrike killed a terrorist cell attempting to plant explosives near IDF positions.

The latest escalation comes amid growing pressure from hostage families for assurances that military operations will not endanger their loved ones. Recent Hamas-released videos showed captives Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski appearing shaken and malnourished, underscoring the urgency of their rescue.

Beyond Gaza, the IDF announced the capture of a weapons dealer in southern Syria on Sunday night. The operation, aimed at preventing the entrenchment of hostile forces near the Golan Heights, reflects Israel’s broader security posture against threats from Iran and Hezbollah. Israel has also been monitoring Syrian leader Ahmed a-Sharaa, whose recent success in curbing weapons smuggling has raised the possibility of improved ties.

As the IDF presses its campaign on multiple fronts, Zamir’s message was clear: military operations will continue with the twin goals of dismantling Hamas’ capabilities and bringing every hostage home.

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