Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed the expansion of operational activity in the Gaza Strip, writing on his X account: "Today a mighty hurricane will strike Gaza City skies and the roofs of terror towers will tremble. This is the final warning to Hamas murderers and rapists in Gaza and in luxury hotels abroad: Release the hostages and lay down your weapons - or Gaza will be destroyed and you will be eliminated." Katz added that "the IDF continues as planned and is preparing to expand the maneuver to defeat Gaza."