Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed today, Tuesday, that Israeli soldiers are present in the heart of Gaza City, the stronghold of the Hamas movement, adding that Israel does not wish to govern the Palestinian territory after the current war concludes.
Gallant stated in a press conference broadcasted on television, "Israeli army forces are stationed in the heart of Gaza City. They have come from the north and south and have entered in full coordination between ground, air, and naval forces." He continued, "They are maneuvering on foot and with armored vehicles and tanks, accompanied by military engineers from all directions, with one goal: Hamas in Gaza, its infrastructure, its leaders, and its shelters and communication rooms. They are tightening the noose around Gaza City."
Gallant described Gaza City as "the largest base for terrorism built by man." He mentioned that there are tunnels extending for kilometers beneath schools and hospitals that contain weapon depots, communication rooms, and militant hideouts.
In response to a question about who would govern Gaza after the war, Gallant said, "I can tell you who will not govern (Gaza). It will not be Hamas, and it will not be Israel. Everything else is a possibility." The minister reiterated Israel's call for Palestinian civilians to move to southern Gaza.
