Israeli Defense Chief Vows to Continue Gaza Offensive Despite Pressure

Israel's defense minister, Yoav Gallant, has rejected international calls to end the military offensive in the Gaza Strip, stating that the current phase of the operation against Hamas will "take time." Despite growing criticism over the heavy civilian death toll and widespread damage, Gallant emphasized that Israel will continue to defend itself and fight for its future. The next phase of the offensive will involve lower-intensity fighting against "pockets of resistance," and Gallant indicated that further military activity could continue for months. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 17,000 Palestinians, with approximately two-thirds being women and minors, and has displaced nearly 85% of the territory's population.