Amidst growing protests and public outcry over the accidental killing of three Israeli hostages by their own soldiers in Gaza, Prime Minister Netanyahu remains adamant about continuing the offensive against Hamas. The Israeli leader insists on maintaining military pressure, asserting that it's the only way to achieve total victory and bring back all abducted Israeli citizens.
Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remains dire. The largest hospital, Shifa, is barely functional, as it struggles to provide life-saving medical care to the affected population. The US President Joe Biden has called for more consideration towards the civilian population, but the conflict has been ongoing for over two months, showing no signs of a swift resolution.
Netanyahu's government has been embroiled in internal disputes over a recently brokered hostage-ceasefire agreement. While some parties have agreed to remain in government despite their opposition to the deal, others, like Itamar Ben Gvir's party, have threatened to leave over the ceasefire.
The Israeli government's long-term objective is to eliminate Hamas as a ruling authority in Gaza, but the group still continues to hold hostages, indicating that this goal hasn't been fully achieved. The government views the ceasefire as a temporary measure, ready to break it if provoked, signaling a continued readiness for war.
Public support for de-escalation has grown, with former US President Biden and incoming President Donald Trump exerting pressure on Netanyahu. However, the ceasefire is viewed as fragile and subject to different interpretations by both parties.
Despite the ongoing tension, Netanyahu remains unwavering in his pursuit of total victory. As the conflict continues, so does the Israeli government's resolve to dismantle Hamas and secure the safe return of all Israeli hostages, even if it means continued conflict and uncertainty for the people of Gaza.
