Israeli Army vows to continue Gaza operation amidst challenges
The Israeli military has pledged to persist with its operation in Gaza, acknowledging its prolonged and challenging nature.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden discussed the "critical need" to protect civilians in a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as reported by the BBC.
President Biden told reporters that he did not request a ceasefire from Netanyahu.
On Friday, the UN Security Council approved a resolution calling for widespread aid deliveries to Gaza but did not demand a ceasefire between the conflicting parties.
Negotiations held in Egypt earlier this week, aimed at securing a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, have yet to yield results.
A Palestinian official involved in ceasefire negotiations told the BBC that Egypt proposed a new three-stage plan. It begins with a two-week humanitarian ceasefire, potentially extendable, during which Hamas releases 40 hostages, and Israel releases 120 Palestinian prisoners.
This stage will be followed by the establishment of an independent body for humanitarian aid and reconstruction, along with a comprehensive ceasefire and a prisoner exchange.
Hamas' Health Ministry claims that over 20,000 people have been killed, and 54,000 injured in Gaza since the war began. The majority of the casualties are reportedly women and children.
Israel, in turn, states that it is taking measures to avoid civilian casualties and blames Hamas for embedding itself in densely populated areas.
Meanwhile, the IDF announced that 14 of its soldiers were killed in Friday's Gaza battles, bringing the total to over 150.
Netanyahu stated on Sunday that the war imposes a "very high price" on Israel but emphasised that there is no choice but to continue fighting.
Israel claims to have arrested 700 Palestinian militants since launching its military operation and invading Gaza to eliminate the Hamas group.
The Israeli operation commenced on October 7 after Hamas fighters entered Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking approximately 240 hostages.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
