Gaza offensive will stretch on for months: 'Israeli' official

The ‘Israeli’ army spokesperson said the operation to seize key points in Gaza City “may take months,” followed by “additional months to cleanse it” due to captives’ presence in the area, Palestinian media reported. 

He said that their safe return is a “moral and principled mission.”

The official provided a detailed timeline for the upcoming operations in Gaza City, the main target of the current phase.

He stated that the army will work to achieve its objectives “no matter how long it takes" to control strategic sites and "cleanse" them from resistance cells and infrastructure.

Read more: ‘Israel’ opens temporary evacuation route for Gazans, claims safety

The statement confirms expectations that ‘Israel’ is preparing for complex and prolonged offensives in densely populated areas.

The spokesperson directly attributed the operation’s length to the presence of captives in the enclave.

“The hostages are our main concern, so the Gaza operation will be gradual,” he claimed. “We will try as much as possible not to harm the hostages.”

He said that their return represents a “moral and principled mission,” and the army will continue pursuing two main goals: “returning the hostages and defeating Hamas.”

On the ground, the army estimates that 350,000 residents have left Gaza City so far, following repeated evacuation orders.