New Delhi: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, has shown no signs of abating, despite the efforts of the US and other international mediators to broker a ceasefire. The war, which started on November 14, 2023, has claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people, mostly civilians, and displaced hundreds of thousands more.
Israel’s Defense Minister Says War Will Last for Months
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who met with US National Security Advisor Jack Sullivan in Tel Aviv on Thursday, said that Israel was determined to continue its military campaign against Hamas until it destroyed its underground tunnel network and rocket arsenal. He said that this could take several months, as Hamas had invested heavily in building its infrastructure over the years.
Gallant also said that Israel was facing a new threat from Lebanon, where Hezbollah, another militant group backed by Iran, had launched several rockets at northern Israel in the past week. He said that Israel was prepared to defend itself from any attack from its northern border and that it had the full support of the US in doing so.
Hamas Leader Says He Wants to End the War Now
Meanwhile, Hamas leader Haniya Ismail, who is based in Qatar, said that he wanted to end the war as soon as possible, as it was causing immense suffering to the people of Gaza. He said that the military wing of Hamas was also in favor of a ceasefire, as long as it addressed the demands of the Palestinians, such as lifting the blockade on Gaza and allowing humanitarian aid to enter.
Haniya also said that Hamas would not give up its control of Gaza, even after the war ended. He said that Hamas had ruled Gaza for 16 years and that it would continue to do so, despite Israel’s attempts to weaken it. He said that those who hoped that Hamas would be ousted from power after the war were living in a fantasy.
US Government Wants Israel to Be Ready for Ceasefire
The US government, which has been trying to mediate between Israel and Hamas, wants Israel to be ready for a ceasefire as soon as possible. Sullivan, who spoke with Gallant and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said that the US agreed with Israel’s right to defend itself, but also urged it to take steps to protect the civilians in Gaza. He said that the US was working with Egypt, Qatar, and other regional partners to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
Sullivan also said that the US and Israel shared the same objective of ensuring stability and security in the Middle East and that the war between Israel and Hamas was a challenge to that goal. He said that the US was committed to helping Israel and the Palestinians achieve lasting peace, based on a two-state solution.
The war between Israel and Hamas, which has entered its fifth week, shows no sign of ending soon, as both sides remain defiant and determined to achieve their goals. The US and other international actors are trying to persuade them to agree to a ceasefire, but so far, their efforts have been unsuccessful. The war has caused a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and has also increased the tensions in the region. The fate of millions of people depends on the outcome of this war, which could have far-reaching implications for the future of the Middle East.
