Israel has warned that its conflict with Hamas will extend for months, following a United Nations warning about Israeli bombings in Gaza that killed over 100 Palestinians in two days.
“There are no shortcuts when it comes to eliminating a terrorist organization”, Israel’s military chief, Herzi Halevi, said in a broadcast statement, adding that the conflict will continue for many more months.
“There are no magic solutions, no shortcuts, only determined and persistent fighting in dismantling a terrorist organization. We will reach Hamas leadership, whether it takes a week or months”, Halevi continued.
The UN expressed alarm about the ongoing Israeli bombings Wednesday night, naming an outgoing Dutch minister as its humanitarian coordinator for Gaza.
The UN Human Rights office tweeted, “We are gravely concerned about the continued bombardment of #Gaza by Israeli forces, which has reportedly claimed over 100 Palestinian lives since Christmas Eve. Israeli forces must take all measures available to protect civilians”, through its official ‘X’ handle, formerly Twitter.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “Hamas must be destroyed, Gaza must be demilitarized, and Palestinian society must be deradicalized to establish peace”.
Israel has been bombing Gaza since October 7, following a cross-border Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Palestinians in border communities and took 240 captives. Since then, about 21,000 Palestinians have perished as a result of Israel’s counteroffensive in Gaza.
However, Israeli airstrikes have increased concern about civilian safety.
According to UN estimates, approximately 1.9 million Gazans have been displaced, with many fleeing south. Water, food, gasoline, and medication are in short supply for citizens.
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