Israel expands Gaza campaign, warns war will last 'months more'
(Baonghean.vn) - Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza could last for months, the head of the Israeli army announced on December 26.
“The war will continue for many months and we will use different methods to maintain our gains for a long time,” Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi told reporters in a televised statement on the Gaza border.
“There are no magic solutions, no shortcuts in destroying a terrorist organization, only determined and persistent fighting. We will also destroy the leadership of Hamas, whether it takes a week or months,” said General Halevi.
Israel vowed to destroy Hamas after its militants stormed Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 240 hostage. The air, sea and ground assault on Gaza has killed nearly 21,000 Palestinians, according to authorities.
“We said from the very first moments that this would be a long-term fight because it was right to set broad goals and we would go far, that is why it would take a long time,” said Mr. Halevi.
“In the end, can we conclude that there are no enemies around the State of Israel? I think that is too ambitious, but we will create a new security situation,” General Halevi stressed.
