IDF Spokesman Brigadier General Efi Defrin issued a statement to the media, saying "We are operating according to a structured plan aimed at returning the hostages and dismantling Hamas governance." According to him, "Hamas's governmental control in Gaza is gradually cracking. Last week, aid distribution points were opened in the Strip, which undermines Hamas's control." He addressed reports of shooting at Gazans who arrived at aid points, stating "There are claims that the IDF fired at civilians. This is false information echoing Hamas propaganda."