Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed Wednesday that the army would continue to eliminate Hamas operatives and destroy their tunnels within the Israeli-controlled areas of Gaza "without any limitation." His comments came amid reports that the United States is urging Israel to allow Hamas terrorists trapped in Rafah to return to areas of the Strip still under the group's control.

Katz said Israel's objective remains "to disarm Hamas and demilitarise Gaza," alongside recovering the bodies of fallen hostages. Israeli intelligence estimates that roughly 200 armed Hamas gunmen are currently hiding in tunnels beneath Rafah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected granting them safe passage, while IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has reportedly suggested linking any potential deal to the return of Lt. Hadar Goldin's body, held by Hamas since 2014.