'Ceasefire Will Be A Gift To Hamas': Israel Declares Continuation Of Gaza War "With Or Without" Global Support

On Wednesday, Israel announced its resolve to continue with the Gaza war, irrespective of international backing, even as it faced increasing pressure from its main supporter, the United States.

The war, currently in its third month, began in response to the deadly attack by Palestinian terror organisation Hamas on 7 October, in which over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and hundreds were taken hostage.

The Health Ministry in Gaza, which is under the control of Hamas, reported that the death toll in the war has risen to over 18,000.

Earlier on Tuesday, a resolution for a ceasefire was approved by the UN General Assembly, with the backing of 153 out of 193 countries. This exceeds the usual 140 nations that regularly criticise Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Despite the United States opposing the resolution, it received backing from allies such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. In a rare joint statement, the resolution said that the countries, including US allies, were "alarmed at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza".

At a campaign event, Biden conveyed that Israel initially had the backing of most of the world following the 7 October attack. However, he noted that "they're starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place".

On Wednesday, the US President, who subsequently moderated his remarks, convened a meeting with the families of American hostages taken by the Hamas terrorists on 7 October.

Despite the criticism from its main ally, Israel vowed to press on with its war on Hamas.

"Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support," said Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.

"A ceasefire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organisation Hamas, and will allow it to return and threaten the residents of Israel," Cohen told a visiting diplomat, quoted by his ministry.

Jake Sullivan, the national security advisor to Biden, is set to visit Israel on Thursday for a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu has said that there is "disagreement" between Israel and Washington regarding the governance of Gaza after the conflict.