Israel's Chief Of Military Staff: IDF Fighting Hamas, Not Gazans

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi when meeting his troops. (Wikimedia Commons/IDF Spokesperson's Unit photographer)

JAKARTA - Israel's Chief of Military Staff (IDF) Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi stressed that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is fighting Hamas, instead of Gazans, is asking the Palestinian militant group to treat the hostages well, ensuring it will defend its homeland.

In a press conference near the Gaza border Tuesday, Lt. Gen. Halevi said the Hamas attack on Israeli territory earlier this month had never happened before and it would change conditions in the future.

"What happened (the Hamas 7 October attack) has never happened before since the founding of this country. This requires a fundamental change in the reality of our security. There will be consequences, including the length of war," he was quoted as saying by The Times of Israel, October 25.

"This war has one goal: the leadership of Hamas and everyone acting under its command. They will pay a price for what they do," he stressed.

He further said that no one should doubt the cruelty and barbarism of Hamas.

"We remind Hamas to treat Israelis who are held hostage with respect. This is important, related to the severity of the treatment that will be given by the IDF to Hamas," he exclaimed.

According to Lt. Gen. Halevi, no one can redeem anything for what Hamas did on October 7, as well as for the dead, injured, and hostages.

"IDF is fighting Hamas, not fighting Gazans. The IDF wants Gazans to pass through this war unharmed," he stressed.

Therefore, he continued, Israel urges residents to flee to safe areas, where they can get food, water and medicine.

"Every Gazan resident must make a responsible decision (to evacuate) for their lives," he said.