Israeli police clash with Jewish pilgrims at troubled festival location

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that he strongly opposes ending the war in Gaza, as deadly fighting continues to rock the region. The war cabinet is set to convene amid intense diplomacy to forge a truce and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas militants.

The conflict was triggered by a brutal attack by the Palestinian militant group on October 7, leaving vast areas of besieged Gaza in ruins. Netanyahu has rejected Hamas’s demand for a permanent end to the fighting, stating that he opposes any deal that would allow Hamas to continue carrying out attacks like the one that started the war.

Meanwhile, Hamas militants fired a salvo of rockets at Israel’s commercial hub Tel Aviv for the first time in months, causing panic and sending people scrambling for shelter. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to engage in violent clashes.

In Brussels, the European Union’s foreign policy chief emphasized the importance of a strong Palestinian Authority in the region, stating that it is in Israel’s interest as well. EU members Ireland, Spain, and Norway have announced plans to recognize the State of Palestine, drawing condemnation from Israel.

US President Joe Biden has been pushing for renewed international efforts to halt the war, which has been ongoing for eight months. Negotiations involving US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators have stalled, but there is hope for progress in the coming week.

The conflict has taken a heavy toll on both sides, with thousands of casualties reported. The families of hostages held by Palestinian militants are putting pressure on Netanyahu to secure their release, while international criticism of Israel’s actions continues to grow.

As the war rages on, the UN has warned of a looming famine in Gaza, where hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of casualties. The International Criminal Court has announced plans to seek arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other top officials, while the International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with no clear end in sight to the violence and suffering. The world is watching closely as efforts to secure a truce and bring about a lasting peace continue.