JERUSALEM, Aug 17, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The Israeli army's chief of staff said 
Sunday the military was pressing ahead with plans for the next phase of its 
Gaza offensive, with a focus on Gaza City.

"Today we are approving the plan for the next phase of the war," Lieutenant 
General Eyal Zamir said during a field visit to the Palestinian territory, 
according to an army statement.

"We will maintain the momentum of Operation 'Gideon's Chariots' while 
focusing on Gaza City. We will continue to strike until the decisive defeat 
of Hamas," he said.

The large-scale operation in Gaza, dubbed "Gideon's Chariots" by the Israeli 
army, began in mid-May.

"We will continue to strike until the decisive defeat of Hamas, with the 
hostages always at the forefront of our minds," Zamir added.

In response Hamas said the plans would result in "a new wave of extermination 
and mass displacement".

The Palestinian militant group also condemned the proposals a "a major war 
crime" which it said reflected Israel's "disregard for international and 
humanitarian law".

Earlier this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid out his 
plan, approved by his security cabinet, for a new phase of operations in 
Gaza.

Israel has said it is preparing to take control of Gaza City and neighbouring 
refugee camps with the stated aim of defeating Hamas and freeing the hostages 
kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 attack that sparked the 22-month war.

Zamir said Israel's ongoing offensive had "achieved its objectives", that 
"Hamas no longer possesses the same capabilities", and the military had dealt 
the Palestinian militant group a "severe blow".

"The current campaign is not a pinpoint one; it is just another layer in a 
long-term and planned strategy," he added.

On Friday, the army said its troops were conducting a series of operations on 
the outskirts of Gaza City, where residents have been reporting intense 
strikes and ground incursions for days.

Israel on Saturday said it was preparing "to move the population from combat 
zones to the southern Gaza Strip for their protection".

Hamas said Israel's statements on this, including its plans for the 
installation of tents in southern Gaza, were "a blatant deception to cover up 
the imminent massacre and forced displacement".

Israel's army radio reported on Sunday residents would be evacuated before 
troops encircle the Gaza City and finally seize it, beginning "in the coming 
weeks".

Tens of thousands of reservist soldiers would be called up for the mission, 
the report added.