Israel's Intensified Strikes on Hamas Set Stage for Next Phase of War

The Israeli military is planning to intensify its strikes in the Gaza Strip to increase pressure on Hamas following the group's brutal assault on Israel. The IDF aims to create the "best conditions" for the next phase of the war, targeting Hamas infrastructure and seeking to eliminate the entire organization. The offensive comes after Hamas and other terror groups carried out a massacre, killing civilians and seizing hostages. Israel has deployed tens of thousands of troops to the Gaza border and is preparing for a ground offensive. The military is also responding to attacks from Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari labeled Hamas as worse than ISIS, accusing the group of committing crimes against humanity and holding hostages in Gaza.