IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi conducted a situation assessment and tour in the southern Gaza Strip, alongside Southern Command Chief Maj. Gen. Yaniv Ashor and other commanders. According to the IDF spokesperson, the Chief of Staff praised the forces operating in the area and ordered the expansion of operations to additional areas in northern and southern Gaza - "until conditions are created for the return of hostages and defeat of Hamas." It was also reported that the Chief of Staff directed the establishment of additional aid distribution centers in Gaza.