"Protracted Conflict: Israel-Hamas War in Gaza Expected to Last Months"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to fight Hamas "until absolute victory" during a meeting with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tells US President Joe Biden that the US has a "historic responsibility" to secure a cease-fire in Gaza. Communication networks in Gaza go down, and Israel's defense minister says it will take "several months" to defeat Hamas. The death toll in Gaza rises to 18,787, with the majority being women and children, and the UN reports the largest displacement of Palestinians since the 1948 war. The UK bans entry for violent Israeli settlers, Israel announces a pause in military operations in Rafah for humanitarian aid, and Reporters Without Borders says 17 journalists have been killed in the Middle East since October. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan visits Israel, and Bavarian State Premier Markus Söder shows solidarity with Israel during his visit. A Palestinian poll shows rising support for Hamas, particularly in the West Bank, and dissatisfaction with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas.