Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant announced that the Israeli army has "eliminated the Rafah Brigade" affiliated with Hamas. Galant was speaking from a military base established by the Israeli army in the Philadelphia Axis, south of Gaza, on the border with Egypt. He stated, "The Israeli army has defeated the Rafah Brigade of Hamas." He added, "The most important thing is to remember the goals of the war, whether regarding Hamas or the captives." Galant continued: "Now we are looking to the north," referring to the conflict with the Lebanese Hezbollah, which is active alongside the war in Gaza.