The IDF Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, is addressing the residents of Gaza

The IDF Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, is addressing the residents of Gaza, emphasizing that the responsibility for the ongoing conflict and the resulting destruction lies with their own leadership, specifically Hamas.

He points out that it is Hamas who initiated the hostilities and that their tactics, such as using civilian infrastructure for military purposes and neglecting the well-being of the population, have exacerbated the situation. He also highlights the contrast between the IDF's conduct and that of Hamas leaders, suggesting that the Israeli military does not deliberately target civilians or civilian buildings, unlike the way Hamas operates within Gaza. The message is aimed at shifting the blame away from the IDF and onto Hamas, and also at pressuring the Palestinian population to demand accountability from their leaders. The mention of hostages refers to any Israeli soldiers or civilians held by Hamas, and the conditional statement about the IDF's willingness to adjust operations suggests that the release of these individuals would be a key factor in de-escalating the situation. This communication strategy is part of the psychological and diplomatic aspects of the conflict, as the IDF seeks to maintain its moral high ground and justify its actions to both domestic and international audiences. Hananya Naftail reporting