Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast in his commitment to destroy Hamas, rejecting calls for a ceasefire amid escalating tensions. Netanyahu, addressing lawmakers, emphasized that the war in Gaza will persist until its conclusion. He outlined three prerequisites for peace in an op-ed: the destruction of Hamas, demilitarization of Gaza, and deradicalization of Palestinian society.

Simultaneously, U.S. forces clash with Iran-backed militants in Iraq and Syria, with retaliatory airstrikes following a drone attack on a U.S. base. General Michael Erik Kurilla asserted the strikes aim to hold accountable those responsible for attacks on coalition forces.

The conflict's toll is devastating, with nearly 20,700 Gazans killed, and the U.S. military facing repeated attacks. Diplomatic efforts face challenges, as Hamas and Islamic Jihad reject an Egyptian proposal, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Pope Francis condemned the "appalling harvest" of civilian casualties, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution.