The IDF announced the expansion of the military operation in the Gaza Strip

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is expanding its military operation in the Gaza Strip, while not excluding the possibility of adjusting its actions if an agreement is reached on the release of hostages. This was announced on May 20 by the Chief of the General Staff of the Israeli army Eyal Zamir.

"Hamas will pay the price for its stubbornness and face heavy fire. We will expand our maneuvers, seize new territories, clean up and destroy the terrorist infrastructure until the final victory. We are defending ourselves — and for this we must attack," he said following an operational meeting in the enclave.

Zamir stressed that the release of the hostages is one of the key goals of Hamas, however, if an agreement is reached, the Israeli army will be able to make changes in its actions.

"I and all the soldiers of the Israeli army will continue to act tirelessly until all our hostages are released. We will use every possible opportunity. Hamas has only one choice — to release our hostages. If an agreement is reached, the IDF will adjust its actions accordingly," Zamir said.

Airstrikes: UN captures IDF drones and fighter jets over Lebanon

Israel maintains a presence at five positions in the neighboring country and does not seem to be going to lose control over it.

On May 18, the IDF announced the start of a large-scale ground operation in the north and south of the Gaza Strip. It was reported that the Israeli army has already killed dozens of fighters of the movement and is currently deploying to key positions in the enclave.