Israel to Maintain 'Overall Security' in Gaza Indefinitely, Netanyahu Declares

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in an interview that Israel may assume overall security responsibility over Gaza for an indefinite period after the war with Hamas ends. While President Biden has warned against reoccupying Gaza, Netanyahu's comments suggest that Israel is preparing to play a role in controlling the territory after the conflict. The United Nations reported that 89 employees of the UN agency aiding Palestinian refugees have been killed in Gaza, the highest number in the organization's history. Thailand hopes that its hostages in Gaza will be released soon, as officials indicate that they may be the next to be freed. The death toll in Gaza has exceeded 10,000, with over 4,100 children among the casualties. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, emphasized the need for coordination between Iran and Iraq to increase pressure on the US and Israel to end the Israeli military offensive in Gaza. Thousands of Gazans have fled to the south of the territory during a four-hour window given by the Israeli military, while hundreds of people in Jerusalem demand more action to bring home the hostages held by Hamas.