PM vows not to end war before destroying Hamas, as Israeli strikes kill more than 90 people in 48 hours

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his stance that Israel has no choice but to continue its operations in Gaza until Hamas is fully dismantled, hostages are returned, and the territory no longer poses a threat to Israeli security. This declaration comes amid increased domestic pressure from families of hostages and Israeli military personnel questioning the wisdom of extending the conflict after a ceasefire was broken last month. Recent airstrikes by Israeli forces reportedly resulted in over 90 fatalities within a 48-hour span, services reporting that among the deceased were women and children, some of whom were in designated humanitarian areas. The situation in Khan Younis has drawn the most attention, with civilians mourning the loss of loved ones in harrowing circumstances. Hospital staff described distressing scenes as families cradled the bodies of young children lost to the violence. Netanyahu's commitment to intensifying military actions against Hamas underscores a larger strategy aimed at not only hostage negotiation but a complete military victory over the group, which has been labeled a terrorist organization. While Israeli forces indicated they have successfully targeted militants, the casualty figures reported in Gaza highlight the devastating impact on the civilian population. The escalation of violence and ongoing blockade has prompted alarm from humanitarian organizations, with reports of widespread food shortages and malnourishment among children. Calls for humanitarian aid have intensified, as international leaders urge changes to the blockade, with the head of the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean office imploring U.S. representatives to intervene. The roots of the conflict trace back to Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in considerable casualties and the abduction of hostages. As violence continues, public sentiment in both Israel and the Palestinian territories grows increasingly frustrated, with protests in favor of hostage negotiations occurring in Israel while expressions of dissent against Hamas appear in Gaza. The complexity of negotiating peace while addressing core security concerns lays heavy on Netanyahu as former hostages and their families demand swift action. Proponents of more aggressive military action within the Israeli government, juxtaposed against those advocating for negotiations to secure the hostages' release, illustrate the deep political divisions currently at play. The humanitarian crisis unfolding simultaneously with military actions poses a profound ethical challenge for Israeli leadership as it navigates between perceived security imperatives and international humanitarian obligations.