On Thursday, Israel warned that the war in Gaza aimed at defeating Hamas could last for several months. The country expressed gratitude to the United States for its support in the form of arms and for vetoing a potential UN call for a ceasefire, despite international pressure. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv to address the differences between the two allies in managing the conflict.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed Sullivan that the large-scale military operation in Gaza, which has already claimed the lives of over 18,500 people, would not be concluded in weeks but rather in months. As the fighting and bombing continue to escalate in the Gaza Strip, the humanitarian crisis worsens for the hundreds of thousands of Gazans caught in the crossfire.
During their meeting at a military base, Netanyahu expressed his appreciation for the US support in providing ammunition to the Israeli army and blocking UN attempts to cease the fighting. Both sides affirmed their commitment to securing the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza, with over 130 still held captive, while some are already presumed dead.
Refusing to back down, Netanyahu stated that the loss of Israeli fighters has only strengthened their determination to continue the fight until Hamas is eradicated. This determination stems from Tuesday’s ambush in northern Gaza, where nine soldiers lost their lives at the hands of Islamist militiamen.
Despite pressure from the United States, Defense Minister Gallant reiterated that the conflict could not be resolved in the short term. He emphasized the difficulty in dismantling Hamas, which he described as a terrorist organization with an extensive underground and on-ground infrastructure. According to a statement, Gallant stated that complete victory over Hamas would require more than several months but insisted on Israel’s ultimate triumph.
The United States’ decision to veto a potential humanitarian ceasefire in the UN Security Council last week has drawn criticism and raised concerns about Israel’s diminishing support. President Joe Biden has cautioned that Israel is losing backing due to the heavy and indiscriminate bombing, which has resulted in the deaths of over 18,500 people. The US also urged Netanyahu to consider the potential inclusion of the Palestinian National Authority in Gaza’s future after eliminating Hamas, which remains Israel’s primary objective.
Philippe Lazzarini, the high commissioner of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), expressed dismay at the plight of Gaza’s population. With 2.3 million people crammed into less than a third of the original territory, primarily along the border with Egypt, they feel abandoned by the international community. Lazzarini stressed that Gaza no longer offers safety, and he continued to call for a humanitarian ceasefire.
As the war rages on in both northern and southern Gaza, it has been revealed that 45% of the 29,000 bombs dropped by Israel from the air are non-smart bombs. This information comes from a US intelligence source quoted by CNN. Meanwhile, 1.8 million people live in displacement within the territory, enduring harsh conditions with limited access to food, water, and electricity. On Thursday, a communications blackout occurred for the fifth time since the war started, hindering the rescue and medical assistance efforts.
Despite the high death toll of over 18,500 people, Israel has not been successful in capturing major Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip. In response, Israel has resorted to a leaflet campaign, offering rewards for information leading to the capture of Hamas militia leaders. The leaflet includes the faces of four leaders, ranked according to importance, along with the reward for their capture. Yahia Sinwar, considered the top Hamas official in Gaza, is featured prominently, with a reward of $400,000. Israel recently approved a budget increase of $7,867,766,000 to sustain the military campaign.
Violence also persists in the West Bank, particularly in Jenin, where the Israeli army has killed at least 12 Palestinians in an intense and prolonged incursion. Doctors Without Borders reported that one casualty was a teenager who was killed inside the Jalil Suleiman hospital, which was targeted during a three-day military operation. The NGO witnessed the events unfold but was unable to save the teen’s life.
Amid growing concern over the soldiers’ misconduct, the Israeli army announced the removal of several soldiers who recorded videos mocking Islam and Palestinians inside a mosque. These recordings, which emerge regularly, depict soldiers celebrating the destruction of buildings, mistreating detainees, and making light of the humanitarian crisis inflicted on Gazans due to Israel’s blockade.
As the conflict shows no signs of abating, it is clear that the war in Gaza will continue for an extended period. The international community remains divided over the approach to resolving the crisis, while the Gaza population bears the brunt of escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian situation.
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