Israeli Defense Minister: Operations in Gaza Continue with Ongoing 'Pursuit of Hamas Leaders' in the South

Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Defense Minister, elaborated on Israel's plans for the next phase of its war in Gaza on Thursday, stating that the battle will continue with a more targeted approach in the northern region and ongoing pursuit of Hamas leaders in the south. According to Reuters, the Israeli Defense Minister added, 'In the northern Gaza Strip, we will adopt a new combat approach in accordance with military achievements on the ground and will continue air and ground attacks, tunnel destruction, and special forces operations.' He emphasized that operations in southern Gaza to eliminate Hamas leaders and rescue hostages will continue as long as deemed necessary. The Israeli Defense Minister also stressed that after the war, Hamas will no longer control Gaza, and Israel will maintain operational freedom, but Israel is not inclined to have a civilian presence in Gaza after the war and prefers that Palestinian entities be responsible for the area, provided that no hostile actions or threats against Israel occur. The United States and Israel have differing views on how to manage the Gaza Strip after the war with Hamas. The United States wants full control of the strip by a Palestinian government, while Israeli officials say either Israel or an international entity should take charge of the Gaza Strip. During the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on southern Israel, 1,200 people, including women, children, and the elderly, were massacred, and about 240 others were taken hostage by Palestinian militants to Gaza. The U.S., Canada, the U.K., the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have listed Hamas as a terrorist organization. Israel continues to attack Hezbollah officials in Lebanon; the continuation of the war with Hamas in Gaza is evident. Ilan Berman: Undoubtedly, the proxy war between the Islamic Republic and Israel will intensify. Michael Pregent: The Islamic Republic knows that the explosions in Kerman are not related to Israel. A dialogue between the foreign ministers of the U.S. and France; Blinken called for an immediate end to the 'illegal' Houthi attacks. A warning from Britain regarding the continuation of attacks in the Red Sea: 'International action' is forthcoming. The leader of a militia group in Iraq was killed in a 'U.S. attack.'