Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the offensive in Gaza until "absolute victory," despite growing international pressure to stop the fighting. Netanyahu made the announcement in a televised prime-time news conference, stating that the war will last for many more months. The Israeli military has continued to carry out strikes in central Gaza, killing at least 35 people, as part of its unprecedented air and ground offensive. The conflict has resulted in over 21,600 Palestinian casualties, raising questions about Israel's goal to eliminate Hamas and its plans for post-war Gaza.

Netanyahu has reiterated his intention to maintain Israeli military control over a narrow strip of land in southern Gaza, near the border with Egypt, as a means of enforcing demilitarization. However, Egypt is likely to oppose any Israeli military presence in that area. As casualties in Gaza continue to rise, Israel has faced international pressure to scale back its military operations and work toward a ceasefire. The United States, Israel's closest ally, has called for a more precise campaign to minimize civilian casualties and ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The conflict has also expanded to include clashes along Israel's northern border with Lebanon and its boundary with Syria, with Netanyahu warning Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia, of severe consequences if it broadens its attacks against Israel. Despite the international calls for a ceasefire, Netanyahu has thanked the Biden administration for its decision to provide additional weaponry to Israel and remains committed to the mission of eliminating Hamas and freeing hostages in Gaza.