Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed his commitment to press on with the military campaign against Hamas militants, dismissing speculation about a potential halt to the fighting. During a visit to northern Gaza on Monday, Netanyahu emphasized that the war is far from over and asserted that Israel would persist until the conflict reaches its conclusion.
Netanyahu's statements come as the United Nations humanitarian team leader, Gemma Connell, expressed concerns about the safety of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Connell stated that those who honor Israeli evacuation orders cannot be guaranteed safety, describing the situation as a "human chess board" where displaced individuals are on the move with uncertainty about finding secure destinations.
The Israeli government has faced pressure from its closest ally, the United States, to transition operations in Gaza to a lower-intensity phase and minimize civilian casualties. However, Netanyahu insisted that military pressure is essential to free the remaining hostages held by Hamas, vowing to continue until the end.
In response to the UN's concerns, an Israeli army spokesperson stated that the military has sought to evacuate civilians from areas of conflict. However, Hamas systematically attempts to impede these efforts, using civilians as human shields, as per the spokesperson. The army claims to take all feasible precautions to minimize harm to civilians.
The recent escalation saw several airstrikes near Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, the largest medical facility in southern Gaza. Palestinian health officials reported seven casualties in an Israeli airstrike on a house in Al-Amal neighborhood in Khan Younis.
Pope Francis issued a strong message, referring to children dying in wars, including Gaza, as the "little Jesuses of today." He criticized Israeli strikes for causing an "appalling harvest" of innocent civilians.
Diplomatic efforts faced challenges as Hamas and Islamic Jihad rejected an Egyptian proposal for a permanent ceasefire in exchange for relinquishing power in Gaza. The groups are believed to be holding over 100 hostages captured during their October 7 rampage through Israeli towns.
As the conflict continues, Gaza's humanitarian conditions worsen, with nearly 20,700 Gazans killed and the majority of the population displaced, according to UN reports. The situation remains dire, emphasizing the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to end the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
