The Israeli army announced on Friday night that its forces were taking advantage of the four-day truce with Hamas to “prepare for the next phase of its operation in the Gaza Strip.”

Army spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a regular press briefing: “During the days of the truce, the Israeli army will complete its preparation and preparedness for the next stages of the war.”

Israeli officials repeatedly stressed that the truce does not mean a ceasefire, stressing that the war will resume after the end of the four days.

Earlier Friday, Minister Yoav Galant said that the current truce is only a “short and temporary pause,” after which Israel will resume operations with its full military might.

Gallant made the statements to his Italian counterpart, who is visiting Tel Aviv.

Gallant added: "There will be a short pause and then we will continue operations with full military force. We will not stop until we achieve our goals: destroying Hamas and returning the hostages from Gaza to Israel. There are 240 hostages, and this is something we cannot accept or tolerate."