Israeli defense minister says war on Hamas will last months as US envoy discusses timetable

Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, has indicated that the war against Hamas is expected to be prolonged, lasting several months, as they aim to dismantle the militant group’s infrastructure in Gaza.

The US, through National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, is engaging in discussions with Israeli leaders to establish a timeline for concluding major combat operations in Gaza. The US has shown concern over civilian casualties but continues to provide diplomatic and military support to Israel.

The conflict has led to one of the most devastating military campaigns of the 21st century, with a high death toll, extensive destruction in northern Gaza, and severe humanitarian crises due to displacement of a large portion of Gaza’s population.

The Palestinian Authority’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shtayyeh, urges the United States to take a firmer stance with Israel, especially regarding postwar negotiations and the two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Despite Israel’s intensive military campaign, Hamas has demonstrated resilience, notably through a deadly ambush on Israeli troops. This raises questions about Israel’s ability to defeat Hamas without causing widespread destruction in Gaza.

The war has resulted in over 18,700 Palestinian casualties, with a significant number of women and minors among the deceased. Thousands are missing, and many are feared dead under the rubble of destroyed structures.

Despite the hardships of the war, Hamas has seen a rise in support among Palestinians in both the West Bank and Gaza, as many view them as resisting Israel’s long-standing occupation, despite not aligning with all of Hamas’s tactics or goals.