Gaza Conflict Expected to Extend for Months, Warns Israel, Amid Rising Concerns of Escalation
Israel has stated that its military campaign against Hamas is expected to last for several months, according to the country’s military chief, amid growing concerns that the conflict could extend beyond the Gaza Strip.
Herzi Halevi, Israel's Chief of Staff, on Tuesday announced from the Gaza border that a "determined and persistent" fight is necessary, acknowledging the potential longevity of the conflict, even if it means targeting Hamas leadership over an extended period.
The escalation of hostilities around Christmas involved southern areas of the Gaza Strip, leading to Israeli advisories for civilians to evacuate—though safe havens are reportedly scarce.
The UN Human Rights Office, via spokesperson Seif Magango, has emphasized Israel's responsibility to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law despite warnings and evacuation directives. Over 100 Palestinian casualties have been reported by the UN since Christmas Eve.
Despite international appeals for a ceasefire, Israel remains focused on dismantling Hamas, in retaliation for the group's October 7 actions that resulted in 1,200 deaths and 240 hostages, marking a harrowing day in Israeli history.
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s subsequent military response has significantly affected Gaza, with Palestinian health authorities citing nearly 21,000 deaths and a humanitarian crisis leaving millions displaced.
On Tuesday, Gaza buried 80 unidentified persons, delivered by Israel through Kerem Shalom crossing, with future identification efforts underway. Israel defends its actions as protective of civilians, attributing civilian risk to Hamas’ tactics, a claim Hamas refutes. U.S. President Joe Biden has criticized the operation’s resulting civilian casualties.
The conflict's reach is expanding. Yemen's Houthi group, linked to Iran, has claimed missile attacks on shipping lanes and attempted drone strikes on Israel in response to the Gaza assault.
Israel contends with threats in multiple regions, including Lebanon, Syria, and beyond, with its Defense Minister Yoav Gallant citing attacks from various fronts and ongoing responsive measures. The White House confirmed meetings in Washington between Israeli and U.S. officials regarding the conflict and hostage negotiations.
The U.S. has urged Israel to adopt a more precise approach in its military operations, focusing on Hamas leadership. However, the U.S. is still perceived as a regional ally of Israel, with recent anti-U.S. attacks by Iran-sponsored groups prompting U.S. military action in Iraq.
The escalation of hostilities around Christmas involved southern areas of the Gaza Strip, leading to Israeli advisories for civilians to evacuate—though safe havens are reportedly scarce.
The UN Human Rights Office, via spokesperson Seif Magango, has emphasized Israel's responsibility to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law despite warnings and evacuation directives. Over 100 Palestinian casualties have been reported by the UN since Christmas Eve.
Despite international appeals for a ceasefire, Israel remains focused on dismantling Hamas, in retaliation for the group's October 7 actions that resulted in 1,200 deaths and 240 hostages, marking a harrowing day in Israeli history.
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s subsequent military response has significantly affected Gaza, with Palestinian health authorities citing nearly 21,000 deaths and a humanitarian crisis leaving millions displaced.
On Tuesday, Gaza buried 80 unidentified persons, delivered by Israel through Kerem Shalom crossing, with future identification efforts underway. Israel defends its actions as protective of civilians, attributing civilian risk to Hamas’ tactics, a claim Hamas refutes. U.S. President Joe Biden has criticized the operation’s resulting civilian casualties.
The conflict's reach is expanding. Yemen's Houthi group, linked to Iran, has claimed missile attacks on shipping lanes and attempted drone strikes on Israel in response to the Gaza assault.
Israel contends with threats in multiple regions, including Lebanon, Syria, and beyond, with its Defense Minister Yoav Gallant citing attacks from various fronts and ongoing responsive measures. The White House confirmed meetings in Washington between Israeli and U.S. officials regarding the conflict and hostage negotiations.
The U.S. has urged Israel to adopt a more precise approach in its military operations, focusing on Hamas leadership. However, the U.S. is still perceived as a regional ally of Israel, with recent anti-U.S. attacks by Iran-sponsored groups prompting U.S. military action in Iraq.
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