Gallant Announces End of Ground Maneuver in Northern Gaza, Predicts Upcoming Conclusion in the South

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Monday that the ground maneuver has concluded in the northern region of the Gaza Strip and is expected to end soon in the south. He stated, "The Palestinians must lead Gaza after the war." He continued, "The upcoming authority in Gaza should be based on a non-hostile force towards Israel. The phase of intensive military incursion in northern Gaza has ended and will soon conclude in the south in preparation for the next phase. I tell Netanyahu and Gantz that a unity government is essential for our victory in the war and achieving its goals. Furthermore, the year 2024 will be a year of war, and we will win it because we are determined to do so." He indicated that Hamas "will not agree to release the hostages without continuous military pressure." Commenting on the video released by Hamas, he said, "Hamas is committing psychological attacks regarding the fate of the hostages in Gaza." Gallant concluded, "There are Palestinians living in Gaza, thus it will be governed by Palestinians."