Israel’s Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, asserted on Wednesday that the conflict in the Gaza Strip would persist “with or without international support.”
“Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support. A ceasefire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organization Hamas and will allow it to return and threaten the residents of Israel,” Cohen stated during a meeting with a visiting diplomat, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Now entering its third month, the war was initiated in response to unprecedented attacks on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, resulting in the alleged death of 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials.
The conflict has taken a devastating toll on Gaza, with over 18,600 casualties, predominantly women and children, according to the latest figures from the Hamas-run health ministry. The damage to infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals, has been described as “unparalleled.”
Despite the UN General Assembly’s recent backing of a non-binding resolution for a ceasefire on Tuesday, Gaza continues to experience air strikes and gun battles, particularly in Gaza City, the largest urban center, as well as Khan Yunis and Rafah in the south.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, cold autumn rains have compounded the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where millions have been displaced, living in makeshift tents with dwindling supplies of food, water, medicines, and fuel after more than two months of siege and war.
