“Israeli” Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said today the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) will “deepen” its operations in the city of Rafah to cover additional areas.

“The great efforts to return the abductees to their homes are manifested in every way
and will continue until their return,” Gallant said on his “X” account.

Gallant, speaking to troops in Rafah earlier today, said that “Israel” is actively working to return the captives held by Hamas using both “physically and also by reaching deals.”

“Our goal[s] in the Gaza Strip have become much clearer here in Rafah — to eliminate Hamas, bring back the hostages and maintain freedom of action,” he said.

Also Read: “Israeli” soldier killed in north Gaza, toll of slain troops rises to 635

Gallant’s statement came after reports circulated in Hebrew media indicating that the IOF will “alter” its military operations in the city of Rafah for the near future.

The IOF will continue operating in Rafah, but will do so in “relatively restrained fashion” for now, an unnamed “Israeli” official told “The Times of Israel”.

“Israel” is currently facing pressure from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), who ordered “Israel” on Friday to immediately halt all operations in Rafah, in addition to other measures to improve the humanitarian situation in the city and the rest of the Strip.

Ceasefire and prisoner exchange talks are also expected to resume this Tuesday in Cairo, an Egyptian official privy to the matter told CNN.

Both Egypt and Qatar have threatened previously to withdraw from their role as mediators, in response to political criticism towards the two countries.