Israel Reaffirms “Objectives” Amid Rising Violations, Dire Conditions |

Israel’s military objective in the Gaza Strip remains the “complete disarmament” of the territory and the “dismantling of Hamas,” according to Israeli Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. Halevi stated the army is prepared to shift “from defense to offense” to prevent Palestinian resistance groups from restoring their capabilities.

Gaza Operations and Ceasefire Violations

Halevi made his remarks during a field tour in Rafah, southern Gaza, accompanied by senior commanders. Israeli forces are reportedly expanding operations against underground infrastructure, claiming that “Hamas’ frontline battalions have been dismantled.” They are deployed along the “yellow line,” controlling Gaza’s main access points while continuing to remove Hamas infrastructure, Halevi said.

Meanwhile, reports indicate ongoing violations of the October 10, 2025, ceasefire agreement. Palestinian officials claim Israeli forces carried out airstrikes, artillery fire, and drone attacks in several areas of the Gaza Strip on Friday.

Fire in Gaza City Highlights Emergency Capacity Issues

A large fire swept through a building in Gaza City, which also houses warehouses belonging to the Qatari Committee. Civil Defense teams, assisted by police and local residents, worked for over three hours to contain the blaze on Al‑Thawra Street in the Al‑Rimal neighborhood.

The response was hampered by a severe shortage of equipment and resources, forcing firefighters to focus on preventing the fire from spreading. Several residents were treated for smoke inhalation, and authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. The fire caused extensive material damage.

Movement Restrictions and Humanitarian Crisis

Movement through the Rafah Crossing remains severely restricted. The Gaza Government Media Office reported only 488 travelers crossed in both directions between the reopening of the crossing and Tuesday, significantly below the expected 1,800. Israeli authorities barred 26 individuals from traveling to Egypt.

Around 22,000 wounded and chronically ill Palestinians urgently require evacuation for medical treatment due to the collapse of the health system. Nearly 80,000 Palestinians have registered to return to Gaza despite the extensive destruction.

The Ministry of Health reported that Israel has committed hundreds of ceasefire violations since the agreement took effect, resulting in 591 Palestinians killed and 1,578 injured as of Thursday. The death toll in Gaza since October 7, 2023, has climbed to 72,049, with 171,691 wounded, and thousands remain unaccounted for.

Officials say many victims remain under rubble or in areas inaccessible to rescue teams due to the destruction of 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure.