Israel remains determined to continue its Gaza war, with or without international support, despite mounting pressure from the United States, its key backer. The war, now in its third month, was launched in response to attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which Israeli officials claim killed 1,200 people. The conflict has resulted in widespread devastation in Gaza, with over 18,600 deaths reported and significant damage to infrastructure. The UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire, but air strikes and gun battles continue to escalate.

Despite criticism, Israel vows to press on with its offensive against Hamas. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen argues that a ceasefire at this stage would allow Hamas to return and threaten the residents of Israel. President Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the disagreements regarding the governance of post-conflict Gaza.

The UN's Palestinian refugee agency warns that Gazans are running out of time and options, with the territory's infrastructure and healthcare system in ruins. The World Bank expresses concerns about the destruction and loss of life, calling it unparalleled. The situation in Gaza also has the potential to escalate into a wider conflict, with exchanges of fire along Israel's border with Lebanon and other Iran-backed groups targeting US and allied forces in Iraq and Syria. Fears of further attacks from Yemen's Huthi rebels, who have targeted Israel and nearby waters, remain high.