Israel's military chief orders expansion of Gaza offensive

Israeli Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir has ordered the expansion of the ground offensive to additional areas of the Gaza Strip, the military said following a troop visit by the military chief in the south of the embattled coastal area.

"We are in the midst of a powerful and relentless operation," Zamir said to soldiers.

The offensive is to continue until "the return of all our hostages and the elimination of Hamas' governing capabilities and military wing," the statement further noted.

Zamir said that the Palestinian Islamist organization is now losing control over the Gaza Strip. He did not provide details.

Previously, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that he had instructed the army to continue advancing in the Gaza Strip and to achieve all declared war objectives, "regardless of any negotiations."

Hopes for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas have been dashed for the time being. Although Hamas agreed in its response to a proposal by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of some hostages still held there, it set further conditions.