IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir conducted a situation assessment and field tour in the Gaza Strip, where he stated that "Hamas will pay the price for its defiance - it will face overwhelming firepower, we will expand our maneuvers, capture additional territories, clear and destroy terror infrastructure until its defeat." He added: "Hamas has one option, and that is to release our hostages. If there is an agreement - the IDF will know how to adjust its operations." According to him, "The IDF operates at all times in accordance with IDF values, law and international law. Any statement casting doubt on the virtue of our actions and the morality of our soldiers is completely unfounded."

