Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that 'Israeli' forces are pressing ahead with heavy operations in Gaza City, describing the military campaign as essential for defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages.

 

“Gaza [City] is burning. The IDF is striking the terror infrastructure with an iron fist,” Katz said in a statement following overnight bombardments.

 

He praised Israeli troops for “fighting valiantly to create the conditions for the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas,” and vowed that military operations would continue. “We will not relent and we will not back down, until the mission is completed,” he added.

 

The comments came as Gaza City endured some of the heaviest strikes in recent weeks, with plumes of smoke reported across multiple neighborhoods amid ongoing clashes.