IDF troops under the Southern Command continue operating in the Gaza Strip, with a focus on Gaza City. We are intensifying pressure on the Hamas terrorist organization and advancing according to a structured and systematic plan to achieve the war’s objectives.

Today we laid to rest two of our soldiers who fell in combat during the holiday: MAJ Shahar Netanal Bozaglo, company commander of Battalion 77, 7th Brigade; and SSGT Chalachew Shimon Demalash, soldier of Battalion 932, Nahal Brigade.

We embrace the bereaved families and share in their deep grief. At this time, five divisions are engaged in the Gaza Strip.

Three of them are striking terror targets in Gaza City and tightening their hold in a manner that is precise and thorough. Last night, troops from the 401st Brigade Combat Team conducted a raid and dismantled a central Hamas combat compound, manned and armed, where numerous weapons and an underground passages were uncovered.

Following verified intelligence, we can confirm that in the Shati area, IDF troops eliminated a terrorist who served as a commander in the Hamas Nukhba unit. He was a brutal murderer who participated in the infiltration of the bomb shelter in Nahal Oz. We will continue until every participant in the October 7th massacre is found and held accountable.

As part of the second phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, we have struck more than 2,000 terror targets across the Strip. As the Chief of the General Staff emphasized during his visit to Gaza yesterday, IDF forces are conducting ground operations with the full range of IDF capabilities at their disposal.

The Israeli Air Force is supporting these efforts, striking approximately 200 terror targets per day with fighter jets, UAVs, and helicopters—often in close proximity to our troops and on an unprecedented scale. Alongside the expansion of ground operations, we continue to advance humanitarian efforts and facilitate the evacuation of civilians from Gaza City for their safety.

To date, about 700,000 residents have evacuated to the humanitarian area in the southern Strip. The IDF also continues to operate across additional arenas. In recent hours, dozens of aircraft carried out a wide-scale strike on military targets in the Sana’a area of Yemen. We struck the command-and-control headquarters of the Houthi General Staff, along with military complexes and intelligence facilities.

We will continue to act in response to the Houthi regime’s attacks on Israeli civilians. Yesterday, a UAV launched by the Houthis struck the city of Eilat and wounded civilians. Since the beginning of the war, we have intercepted more than 98% of UAVs launched from Yemen toward Israel. Our readiness remains high. I emphasize: the city of Eilat is safe and routine is maintained there. However, no defense is absolute.

I call on the public to strictly follow the precise instructions of the Home Front Command. These are life-saving measures and must not be neglected. Forty-eight hostages remain in Hamas’ tunnels.

On the eve of the holiday, the Chief of the General Staff met with families who have endured this cruel reality for 720 days. He reiterated our unwavering commitment to bringing their loved ones home.

The hostages are always at the forefront of our thoughts and at the heart of every operation we conduct.

The IDF will continue to act with strength and responsibility until the war’s objectives are achieved: the return of the hostages and the dismantling of Hamas’ regime.

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