The Israeli military is stepping up its activities in the embattled Gaza Strip, a leading commander said on Sunday.

“We are intensifying our activity in accordance with the established plan,” said Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir.

“Hamas is under immense pressure. It has lost most of its assets and its command and control,” Zamir said during a visit to troops in the city of Khan Younis in the south of the coastal territory.

“We will deploy every tool at our disposal to bring the hostages home, dismantle Hamas, and dismantle its rule,” he asserted.

“This is not an endless war. We aim to end it by achieving its objectives,” he added. “We’re aiming for the decisive defeat of Hamas, and we will achieve it with determination, precision, and while ensuring the safety of our troops.”

Israeli media previously reported that the military has moved all its regular infantry and tank brigades into the Gaza Strip. The armed forces are currently deployed in various areas of the embattled coastal region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently announced plans to capture the entire Gaza Strip. Israel’s actions in the coastal area, where around two million Palestinians live, have been met with massive international criticism.

The armed forces launched a new major offensive about a week ago. Dozens of deaths have since been reported daily in the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, there is growing criticism among the Israeli population, with opinion polls indicating that many are in favour of ending the war in Gaza.