Israel’s fighting in Gaza will continue throughout 2024, a military spokesman said in a new year’s message, insisting that tens of thousands of reservists would be needed for fighting, AFP reports.

“The IDF [Israel Defense Forces] must plan ahead, understanding that we will be required for additional tasks and warfare throughout this year,” Daniel Hagari told reporters.

“The objectives of the war require prolonged fighting and we are preparing accordingly.”

Hagari said the army was currently planning how to deploy troops in the months ahead.