IDF chief urges Gazans to rise up against Hamas


Ghassan Duhine, deputy head of the Abu Shabab militia, posted a Rosh Hashanah greeting to Jews worldwide

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Wednesday appealed directly to residents of Gaza to break with Hamas, saying the group is responsible for the war and humanitarian suffering in the enclave.

During a tour of southern Gaza City with senior commanders, Zamir said most civilians had already been evacuated and were being moved southward for safety.

“I speak to the residents of Gaza: rebel and separate yourselves from Hamas — it is responsible for your suffering. The war and the anguish will be over if Hamas releases the hostages and gives up its weapons,” he said.

Zamir described the campaign as focused on Gaza City, where he said IDF troops are operating in large numbers to create conditions for the hostages’ release and Hamas’s defeat.

“The IDF strikes powerfully and precisely. All of its capabilities are at the disposal of the troops,” he noted, promising a systematic and thorough advance while observing security protocols.

In his remarks, Zamir also addressed international criticism of Israel’s operations. “There are countries that distort reality and are exerting pressure on us instead of on Hamas after the horrific massacre committed against our people,” he said.

Calling the conflict a “war between freedom and oppression,” he said Israeli soldiers are defending not only the Jewish people but “the free world against terror, oppression, and cruelty.”

As Zamir spoke, divisions inside Gaza were also on display.

Ghassan Duhine, deputy head of the Abu Shabab militia, posted a Rosh Hashanah greeting to Jews worldwide, drawing sharp condemnation from Hamas supporters.

Some activists labeled him a traitor, while others issued death threats.

Abu Shabab, named for its leader Yasser Abu Shabab, is an anti-Hamas faction aligned with Israel.

The group has pledged to protect civilians, secure humanitarian aid routes, and fight Hamas terrorists. Reports indicate Abu Shabab fighters have already joined combat against Hamas as Israel’s Gaza City offensive continues.