Defense Minister Yisrael Katz visited the Morag axis in Gaza today (Wednesday), together with the commander of the Southern Command, Major General Yaniv Asor, the commander of the 36th Division, Brigadier General Moran Omer, and other commanders.
""The operation is underway, and the enemy must know that it will continue. If he persists in refusing, the IDF will attack all of Gaza and work to defeat Hamas while freeing the hostages. The likelihood of a hostage deal is higher than it was before the resumption of fighting," said Katz.
""Today there is more likelihood of a hostage deal. As soon as Hamas says that 11 live hostages are being returned - we will stop the fighting.".
During the visit, the Minister of Defense received an operational and intelligence overview from commanders in the field regarding IDF activity in the area and the progress in capturing it. He thanked the commanders and fighters in the field and emphasized that the goal of Operation 'Oz ve Harb' is first and foremost to achieve a new hostage deal.
Katz said: "I came here today to strengthen my commanders and IDF soldiers who are fighting resolutely for the release of the hostages and the destruction of Hamas' power. The IDF is eliminating terrorists, locating and thwarting terrorist infrastructures, and dismembering the Gaza Strip even in places like the Morag axis where we have not operated to date.".
He added: "The population of Gaza is being evacuated from the fighting zones and many areas are being seized and annexed to the security zones of the State of Israel, leaving Gaza smaller and isolated. If Hamas continues its refusal and does not release the hostages soon, the IDF will engage in intense fighting throughout Gaza until the hostages are released and Hamas is defeated.".
""At the same time, we are working to advance the voluntary immigration plan for Gaza residents in accordance with the US President's vision, which we are working to realize. I appeal to the residents of Gaza: Eliminate Hamas and return the hostages - this is the only way to stop the war.".
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