What Hamas did on October 7 was worse than terrorism, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said Wednesday night, responding to the Turkish president’s claim. Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Hamas “it is not a terrorist organization.”

“I heard what Erdogan said…Hamas is worse than a terrorist organization. Those responsible for the massacre wanted death and horror, and it is our duty to show that to the world,” Hagari said after being asked to respond to Erdogan’s comments. .

The Israeli official noted that the targeting of senior Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip remains a “highest priority” for the IDF as it prepares for the ground invasion.

He clarified that the Israeli army continues to carry out airstrikes in the Gaza Strip to “improve” the condition of the army for the coming ground attack.

“Today we hit the terror infrastructure of Gaza City in buildings and underground,” Hagari said.

“We will continue to strike in Gaza to achieve the objectives of the war. Each hit improves our status for the next stages,” he added, referring to the expected ground invasion.

He made it clear that the war “will be long and to achieve the aims of the war, endurance, trust and patience” are required from public opinion.

Israel has stated that the main objectives of the war is the complete destruction of Hamas and the return of the hostages held by the terror group since the October 7 attack.

The Israel Defense Forces also said fighter jets destroyed on Wednesday a Hezbollah military complex and an observation post belonging to the terrorist group in southern Lebanon.

The strikes come in response to several rocket and missile attacks on northern Israel earlier.