Despite growing calls from the international community for a ceasefire, Israeli leaders stated on Wednesday their intention to continue military operations against Hamas in Gaza. The offensive, now entering its third month, was launched following an unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel by Palestinian militants that killed over 1,200 people per Israeli reports.Israeli leaders however remain defiant despite growing global calls for de-escalation.Netanyahu also said, We will continue until the end. There is no question at all. I say this in light of great pain, but also light of international pressure. Nothing will stop us. We are going until the end, until victory, nothing less than that, he said.“Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support,” stated Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on Wednesday. He argued an immediate ceasefire would only benefit the militant Hamas organisation.This comes a day after the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a non-binding decision urging an immediate ceasefire between the warring parties. However, both sides appear to reject these calls as airstrikes, rocket attacks and ground clashes intensified on Wednesday. Gaza war destructionThe ongoing hostilities have left Gaza in a state of ruins with over 18,600 dead according to health officials in the Hamas-controlled territory.Correspondents on the ground depicted a worsening humanitarian crisis for Gazas 2.4 million residents, 1.9 million of whom are now displaced according to UN estimates.Makeshift shelters offer little respite from wintery rains and spreading diseases as critical supplies like food, water, medicine and fuel dwindle further.At Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, thousands were reported camped outside with “rainwater seeping in” by local resident Ameen Edwan. Only 107 aid trucks entered Gaza on Wednesday per the World Health Organization (WHO).As the crisis mounts, Israel has remained defiant against external pressure even from key US allies urging de-escalation. Gazan militants also continue rocket attacks into Israeli territory that set off regular air raid sirens in towns like Sderot. Both sides appear entrenched in a bloody impasse as calls for peace go unheeded. Israeli strikes on GazaMoreover, air raid sirens continued to blare in southern Israeli communities bordering the Palestinian enclave. The Israeli military said most incoming rockets were intercepted by its Iron Dome air defence, though some struck areas like Sderot and the coastal city of Ashdod.US President Joe Biden acknowledged Wednesday that international support for Israels Gaza offensive has eroded due to concerns over civilian casualties from Israeli bombing. His earlier public comments drew rebukes from domestic allies.Meeting with families of American hostages seized in October by Hamas, Biden later toned down criticisms of Israels conduct. But White House officials reiterated worries about the campaigns heavy toll.“Weve expressed concerns about the prosecution of this military campaign, even while acknowledging that its Hamas that started this,” said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.According to Kirby, Biden conveyed the same worries “publicly and privately” to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Bidens national security advisor Jake Sullivan is set to meet Netanyahu in Israel on Thursday amid disagreements over governing a post-conflict Gaza.As ceasefire hopes sink, Washington and London announced new sanctions against Hamas officials on Wednesday. Aid groups warn Gazas humanitarian situation is becoming increasingly dire. Gaza Health Ministry lies in ruins. Gazas health system lies in ruins after months of bombardment, according to statements from Hamas officials in control of the territory. With childrens vaccine stockpiles now depleted as well, authorities warn of “catastrophic health repercussions” ahead.A new World Bank assessment concluded the loss of life and extensive damage in Gaza has been “unparalleled.”Meanwhile, Gazas health ministry under Hamas stated that Israeli forces opened gunfire inside the wards of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. The Israeli military has yet to comment on the alleged attacks. But Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of hiding military assets under schools, mosques, hospitals and connecting tunnel networks - charges the militant group denies.As the crisis in Gaza worsens, fears grow the conflict could spill across borders. Daily incidents already flare along Israels boundary with Lebanon where the Hezbollah militant organization holds major sway.
