IDF on next steps as Gaza becomes an 'active combat zone'
In an interview with ABC News' Phil Lipof, Israel Defense Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said they are preparing for an "intensification of our combat operations."
"The aim of our operation is to dismantle Hamas and its military capabilities to make sure that Hamas will never again have the ability to kill or abduct or threaten Israeli civilians," Conricus said.
Conricus said more than 400,000 people have evacuated Gaza to the south before it becomes an "active combat zone." Asked about the risk to civilians who remain, he conceded it will be a "difficult and dangerous" environment for them.
"Wherever applicable and wherever the situation on the ground allows us to do so, we will spare the life of civilians and we will try to apply our force in such a way that it causes minimal damage to civilians," he said.
"We will do our best not to strike civilians. They are not our enemy," he added.