Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant outlines 'new phase' in Gaza war

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday outlined Israel's plans for the next stage of its war in Gaza, claiming that there would be a new, more targeted approach in the northern section of the enclave.

The announcement came as international pressure grows to move away from its indiscriminate bombing of the Palestinian territory to less intense combat operations.

"In the northern region of the Gaza Strip, we will transition to a new combat approach in accordance with military achievements on the ground," Gallant's office said in a statement it said outlined the guiding principles reflecting his vision for the next phases of the war.

He said operations would include raids, demolishing tunnels, air and ground strikes, and special forces operations.

In the south of the besieged enclave, where most of Gaza's 2.3 million population is now living, many in tents and other temporary shelters, the operation would continue to try to eliminate Hamas leaders and rescue Israeli hostages.

"It will continue for as long as is deemed necessary," the statement said.

After the war, Gallant said Hamas would no longer control Gaza and Israel would reserve its operational freedom of action. But he said there would be no Israeli civilian presence and Palestinian bodies would be in charge of the enclave.

"Gaza residents are Palestinian, therefore Palestinian bodies will be in charge, with the condition that there will be no hostile actions or threats against the State of Israel," he said.

Israel's offensive has killed more than 22,000 people since 7 October, forced most of the population out of their homes, and reduced much of Gaza to rubble.