Israeli military leader predicts protracted conflict in Israel-Gaza escalation

Israel's army chief, Herzi Halevi, has stated that the war between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza will continue for "many more months." He emphasized that there are no quick solutions to the conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also warned that the campaign is far from over. Israel has carried out strikes on over 100 targets in Gaza, ranging from the northern area of Jabaliya to the southern town of Rafah. According to the health ministry in Gaza, more than 20,900 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting during the past 11 weeks. The conflict began when Hamas initiated a series of deadly attacks on Israeli communities on October 7. The United Nations reports that 1.9 million people have been internally displaced due to Israeli bombardments. Juliette Touma, a spokeswoman for the UN Palestinian refugee agency, expressed concern over reports of hunger and starvation in some areas of Gaza. She highlighted the overcrowding and overwhelmed state of UN shelters. The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, urged Israel to reduce the intensity of its strikes to minimize harm to civilians. Herzi Halevi, the chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, declared at a news conference that the war would continue for several more months to preserve their achievements. He emphasized the need for determination and persistence in fighting to thoroughly dismantle a terrorist organization. In the 7 October attacks, approximately 1,200 individuals, mostly civilians, were killed, and around 240 people were taken hostage in Gaza. Israel claims that 132 hostages are still being held. Prime Minister Netanyahu informed the parliament that military pressure is necessary to secure the release of all abductees, emphasizing that the fighting will not stop. Reports suggest that Egypt has proposed a ceasefire plan, including the phased release of Israeli hostages and an undetermined number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. However, both Israel and Hamas have resisted calls for a lasting ceasefire so far. Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, is currently in Washington for discussions with Secretary Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. The talks will mainly focus on the conflict in Gaza and the return of Hamas-held hostages.