(VOVWORLD) - Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Tuesday that the Israeli military's campaign into the Gaza Strip to dismantle Hamas forces may extend over many months or even years.
 Israeli soldiers at Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip. (Photo: REUTERS) |
Gallant emphasized the prolonged, challenging, and costly nature of the conflict in Gaza, deeming it a necessary endeavor. Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi also cautioned that the engagement in Gaza could persist for several more months.
The Israeli army launched an offensive in Gaza, starting with airstrikes, on October 7 in response to Hamas' attacks in southern Israel that caused at least 1,200 casualties. Date from the Palestinian health agency show that the Israeli military's offensive has killed approximately 21,000 people and injured 55,000 others, mostly civilians.
Israeli media reported at least 9 people wounded in an anti-tank missile attack carried out by Hezbollah on a Catholic church in the Iqrit area of Northern Israel, and Hezbollah has fired rockets into several areas of northern Israel, including Dovev, Yiftah, and Dov peak. No casualties were reported.
The Israeli army has responded with airstrikes and intense shelling against Hezbollah targets in border areas.