Gaza Strip, Palestine – The death toll in Gaza continues to rise as Israel’s offensive enters its deadliest phase. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 25,000 people have been killed since the offensive began, with 178 deaths reported in the last 24 hours alone. As the fighting persists, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again rejected the creation of a Palestinian state. The offensive was launched in response to an attack by Hamas fighters in October, which resulted in the death of 1,300 people and the hostage-taking of over 240 others in southern Israel.
The current focus of the offensive is on southern Gaza, specifically the city of Khan Younis. Israel believes that top Hamas commanders are hiding in or beneath the city. The Israeli military recently discovered a tunnel in the area, measuring 830m (2,700ft) in length and equipped with booby-traps and blast doors. It was suspected to be the site where Israeli hostages, including children, were held captive. However, no hostages were found upon the tunnel’s discovery.
In addition to the operations in southern Gaza, Israeli soldiers have faced renewed attacks in the north of the region. As Israel moves troops and tanks south, Hamas has reportedly seized an opening around the town of Jabalia. Despite its superior military capabilities, Israel still encounters significant resistance in Gaza. US intelligence agencies estimate that only 20-30% of Hamas fighters have been killed thus far, falling short of Netanyahu’s goal to “completely destroy” the armed group.
The slow progress, absence of captured or killed top Hamas commanders, and the plight of the Israeli hostages have fueled anger and criticism within Israel. Relatives of the hostages demand their release as a priority over the goal of destroying Hamas. Furthermore, an anti-war movement has emerged, expressing horror at the destruction caused in Gaza. Recent polling data indicates that only 15% of the public believes Netanyahu should remain in office once the war ends.
There is growing disagreement between Netanyahu and Western allies regarding how the conflict should end. Following a conversation with US President Joe Biden, Netanyahu reaffirmed his rejection of a future Palestinian state. He insists that Israel must retain “security control over the entire area west of [River] Jordan,” including the Israeli-occupied West Bank territory. Despite his long-standing opposition to a Palestinian state, Netanyahu’s current stance appears to align with the majority opinion in Israel, which is unwilling to support an independent Palestinian state given the ongoing attacks.
This political battle for survival clashes with frustrated Israeli allies, who hope that the current bloodshed can lead to meaningful diplomacy and a sustainable two-state solution. UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps expressed disappointment with Netanyahu’s position, while the US and Israel acknowledge their differing perspectives. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres went further, describing the refusal to accept a Palestinian state as “completely unacceptable” and warning that it prolongs a conflict that poses a significant threat to global peace and security.