The combination of two years of military pressure in the Gaza Strip and diplomatic measures ensured Israel's victory over the radical Hamas movement, said the Chief of Staff of the Israeli army, Eyal Zamir.
„We entered an existential war to ensure the survival of Israel, and we defeated the enemy.“ „The military pressure that we have been exerting over the past two years, combined with diplomatic measures, constitutes a victory over Hamas“, the army press service quoted him as saying.
The Chief of Staff noted that the Israel Defense Forces are currently launching Operation „Homecoming“ for the release of hostages held by Hamas. “In a few hours we will rejoice when we see our living hostages return to their families, and we will mourn those who were killed, including our heroic soldiers who fell in battle,“ he continued.