Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, remains steadfast in his refusal to halt military operations in Gaza, despite significant outrage and vocal demands from both the public and political allies. Protests have erupted across the country, particularly following the deaths of six Israeli hostages, which prompted thousands of workers to strike. During a news conference, Netanyahu declared that he would only consider ending the war once Hamas is defeated.

Internationally, Netanyahu's stance has faced scrutiny, notably from U.S. President Joe Biden, who expressed concerns that more should be done to secure the return of the hostages. In a notable shift, the United Kingdom announced it would be suspending certain arms sales to Israel, indicating a tougher stance on the situation. Additionally, Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining an Israeli presence in a stretch of Gaza along the Egypt border, arguing it is crucial for the country's security.