Gaza - September 24, 2025 IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, held a tour and situation assessment today (Wednesday) in southern Gaza City together with Southern Command Chief Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman, Head of the Manpower Directorate Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, Division 36 Commander Brig. Gen. Moran Omer, and other brigade and unit commanders. The Chief of Staff stated: “We are operating in the Gaza Strip with large forces, focusing on the offensive in Gaza City to create conditions for the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas. The IDF is striking with force and precision — all its capabilities are at the disposal of the fighters. We will continue systematic and thorough progress while adhering to safety rules. Most of Gaza’s population has already left the city, and we are moving them south for their protection. I call on Gaza’s residents: rise up and separate from Hamas — it is responsible for your suffering. The war and suffering will end if Hamas releases the hostages and lays down its weapons.” He added to the soldiers: “You are the defensive line of the State of Israel. We will continue to protect our communities, serve as a barrier between the enemy and Israel’s citizens, and continue to fight our just and moral war. Your achievements are great, and the righteousness of our path is with us. Some nations live in a false consciousness and place pressure on us instead of on Hamas after the horrific massacre it committed against our people. On the Jewish New Year, we will bring security, defend, and prevail. This is a war between freedom and oppression, a war in which our fighters stand as the defensive line of Israel’s citizens, the Jewish people, and humanity against terror, oppression, and cruelty.” The Chief of Staff also honored the heroism of Maj. Shahar Netanel Buzaglo, who fell on the eve of the holiday: “Shahar left his home on October 7, took command of a tank, and fought in the Gaza Envelope. From then until his fall, he fought with courage and dedication for the security of the residents of the envelope and the State of Israel as a whole.”