Admin I Wednesday, Sept 24, 2025
GAZA STRIP – The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, conducted a tour and situational assessment in southern Gaza City today, delivering a direct message to the residents of Gaza: “Rise up and break away from Hamas – it is responsible for your suffering.”
The General’s remarks came during a visit with senior commanders, including MG Yaniv Asor of the Southern Command, MG Dado Bar-Kalifa of the Manpower Directorate, and BG Moran Omer of the 36th Division.
According to a statement from the IDF, LTG Zamir emphasized that the war and the suffering of the Gazan people “will end if Hamas releases the hostages and relinquishes its weapons.”
He noted that the IDF’s operations are concentrated in Gaza City with the dual purpose of creating conditions for the release of Israeli hostages and achieving a decisive defeat of Hamas.
”We are operating in the Gaza Strip with a large number of troops, with a focus on striking Gaza City to create conditions for the release of the hostages and for Hamas’ decisive defeat,” LTG Zamir stated, adding that the IDF is striking “powerfully and precisely.”
He assured that the advance would be systematic and thorough while maintaining security protocols.
LTG Zamir also addressed the movement of Gaza’s population, confirming that most have already moved south for their safety.
The IDF Chief praised the troops, calling them the “line of defense of the State of Israel” and stating that they are “engaging in a just and moral war.”
He spoke of the importance of their role in defending Israeli communities and acting as a buffer against the enemy.
LTG Zamir also paid tribute to MAJ Shahar Netanel Bozaglo, who was killed on the eve of the holiday. He recounted Bozaglo’s bravery, noting how he “left his home on October 7th, took command of a tank and fought in the communities near the Gaza Strip. From then until his death he fought bravely and with dedication for the security of the Israeli communities in the south and the entire State of Israel.”
In his address to the troops, the General acknowledged international pressure and “distorted views of reality” from some nations. He said these nations are “exerting pressure on us, instead of on Hamas, after the horrific massacre committed against our people.”
“On the Jewish new year, we will bring security, defend and prevail,” LTG Zamir affirmed. “This is a war between freedom and oppression. This is a war in which the IDF, our troops – you – are the line of defense for Israeli civilians and the Jewish people, but also for humanity and the free world, against terror, oppression and brutality.”
