Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson BG Effie Defrin-,May 5, 2025
05.05.25
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I am here near the Gaza Strip border.
Today marks forty-nine days since the launch of renewed operations, whose purpose is to increase pressure on Hamas in order to bring them to negotiations for the release of hostages.
The operation has achieved many accomplishments: the elimination
of senior terrorists, the opening of the 'Morag' corridor, significant dismantling of terrorist infrastructure, the dismantling of the Hamas’ Rafah Brigade, and achieving full operational control over the area between the Philadelphi Corridor and the Morag Corridor.
Despite all the achievements – Hamas remains stubborn in its position.
We have a structured plan, we are making progress, and we are moving on to a new and more intensified phase of the operation in Gaza.
The objective of the operation is the return of our hostages, the dismantling and decisive defeat of the Hamas regime.
These are two goals that are intertwined.
The operation will include a wide-scale operation involving the movement of the majority of the Gaza Strip’s population - in order to protect them in a Hamas-free zone. The operation will include continued airstrikes, elimination of terrorists, and dismantling of terrorist infrastructure.
We will replicate the model implemented in Rafah in other areas of the Strip as well.
A large-scale reserve mobilization has been carried out for the operation, we have issued call-up orders to tens of thousands of reservists.
The reserve mobilization was carried out after a thorough analysis of our needs, and with a deep understanding of the strain on our personnel.
We are working to provide greater clarity for our reservists, along with a tailored support system for them and their families.
The reservists are the backbone of the IDF, and we honor and appreciate their contribution. We will continue to support them.
The reserve mobilization at this time is difficult and complex, but it is being carried out in order to bring back our hostages, achieve a decisive outcome, and end the war.
Hamas misjudged - and continues to misjudge - our determination.
Hamas is the one who initiated the vicious attack against us, Hamas is the one harming the Gazan population, Hamas is the one bringing destruction and devastation.
Just this week, we saw Hamas looting stores and stealing food from the population. Hamas is the one starving them.
The IDF will continue to act with determination to achieve the objectives of the war.
We are in a war like no other, a multi-front war with seven open fronts.
We will be wherever there is an enemy, continuing to act to protect the residents and serve as a barrier between the enemy and our citizens.
For this, we need the mobilization of everyone.
I would like to add something before the questions.
I will continue to speak, directly and matter-of-factly, to answer, to explain, and to reflect.
I will speak to you when necessary, not when possible!
We have set a principle – our actions will speak. So let our actions speak.
