Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks during a joint press conference with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at Israel’s Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv, Israel, Dec. 18, 2023. Photo: REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura

i24 News – Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant made an unexpected visit to the Gaza Strip early Sunday morning.

The visit was centered around the Israeli military corridor in the central region of the Gaza Strip.

Accompanied by high-ranking military officials, including Brigadier General Barak Hiram, commander of the 99th division, Gallant observed firsthand the ongoing operations and engaged in a strategic assessment of the situation with key commanders.

Addressing reserve fighters stationed in the division’s brigades, Gallant reiterated Israel’s steadfast commitment to its objectives in the conflict. “We have clear goals for this war,” he affirmed, “we are committed to the elimination of Hamas and the release of the abductees.”

Expressing concern over Hamas’s intentions, Gallant emphasized the urgency of the situation. “We recognize alarming signs that Hamas actually does not intend to go to any outline agreement with us,” he stated.

“The meaning of this – action in Rafah and the entire Gaza Strip in the near future.”

“We are moments before action in high readiness,” he declared. “The IDF knows what to do, we are prepared for things and it will accompany the entire strip from north to south.”