The IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi spoke with reserve soldiers inside the Gaza Strip on Tuesday operating against Hamas.
"Our maneuver creates better conditions for the return of the hostages, and we will continue with this pressure," he said.
"You're doing an excellent job, you came in here strong and there's very serious damage done to Hamas. There's still a long road ahead, but we are determined to follow this road and bring our achievements to the maximum. That means also to dismantle Hamas - both military and governmental, to create security around the region, and also to return the hostages. All of these things fall in together.