Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Wednesday that the military will broaden and intensify its campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip unless negotiators soon secure an agreement to release Israeli hostages. The general delivered the warning during a situation assessment and tour with troops inside Gaza. Zamir told soldiers that if a hostage deal is reached, the IDF will pause operations and reposition along lines set by the government. Absent such an accord, he said he has instructed the Southern Command "to expand the fighting as much as possible" until Hamas is "defeated and dismantled." Zamir added that Israeli forces now control roughly 75% of the territory.