Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says Israeli forces will not leave the Gaza Strip until all of the hostages are returned to Israel, and any future negotiations with Hamas will be carried out amid the fighting, Paralel.Az reports citing The Times of Israel.

Gallant’s remarks were made as the minister toured the Gaza Strip this morning — for the first time since the start of the war — meeting with commanders and soldiers. Gallant entered the Strip via the sea with the head of the Navy, Vice Adm. David Sa’ar Salama.