Zamir from Gaza: "There is no ceasefire but a change in the operational situation"

SadaNews - Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated during his visit to the "Netzarim" axis in the Gaza Strip on Sunday that there is currently no ceasefire, but rather a "change in the operational situation".

This was mentioned in a statement by the Israeli army, tonight, noting that "the Chief of Staff conducted a field tour at the farthest point west of the ‘Netzarim’ axis, participated in a surprise maneuver simulating an attack on a troops site, and held a discussion session and briefing for the soldiers".

Zamir said: "Two years ago, we witnessed the most difficult event in our history, and we do not intend to return to the days before October 7, 2023. We are changing the reality across the Middle East, on all fronts; we are not containing, we are attacking, and destroying the enemy on every front".

He added that "there is no ceasefire, but there is a change in the operational situation. The political leadership is utilizing the tools and achievements you (occupying army elements) have made in military action and translating them into a political achievement".

The Israeli Chief of Staff at the "Netzarim" axis, on Sunday

He mentioned that "if the political effort fails, we will return to fighting. We will continue to carry out our mission, but on the other hand, we will protect the lives of our soldiers".

Zamir added that "there is no lack of clarity in the operational situation, and therefore operational discipline is extremely important; the battle is not over yet, and we must remain at the ready to fight at all times".

He continued: "We must not forget that we have other military objectives, and we will not allow Hamas to be defeated as a governing and military entity in Gaza. If necessary, we will fight to achieve that. If an agreement is reached, we will prepare and maintain the controlled areas, allowing complete operational flexibility and the ability to return wherever necessary".

The Israeli Chief of Staff said, "If the captives are released, it will be a great achievement and the accomplishment of a basic military goal.... We hope to see the forty-eight captives in their homes soon; this is a necessity".

This comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier on Sunday pledged that Israel would not begin to implement any clause of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for easing tensions in Gaza before the release of all Israeli prisoners held by Palestinian resistance factions in the area.

Netanyahu stated during a meeting with members of the "Champions Forum", representing families of soldiers killed in the October 7 attack and the war on Gaza, against the backdrop of international efforts for a prisoner exchange deal led by Washington: "Until the last hostage returns to Israel, we will not move to any other clause". Netanyahu reiterated his commitment that the clause for the release of all hostages, both living and deceased, is a prerequisite for initiating any clauses of Trump's plan.

He noted that "we will not move to any clause of the 21 clauses of the plan before the implementation of the first clause related to the release of all hostages, both living and deceased", adding, "Until the last hostage, all of them, are returned to Israeli territory, we will not move to any other clause". He stated that this comes under pressure on Hamas resulting from "American pressure and the movement’s international and Arab isolation".