The escalation comes after a meeting between US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Israeli officials, where it was agreed to transition to more precise targeting of Hamas.

Despite the recent discussions, Israel has pressed on with its bombardment of Gaza, causing widespread destruction and a significant loss of life. With the conflict intensifying, the international community has called for immediate action to protect Palestinian communities and address settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

During the meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Sullivan reiterated the US stance that the war on Gaza is expected to last for months, emphasizing the need for future stages of the conflict and its aftermath to be thoroughly discussed. The US envoy also stressed the importance of intelligence-driven operations and targeting the leadership of Hamas.

In addition to addressing the ongoing conflict, Sullivan expressed Washington's commitment to releasing the remaining Israeli captives held in Gaza. The US believes that the control and administration of Gaza should ultimately transition to the Palestinians, with the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority potentially playing a role in governing the region instead of Hamas.

However, critics argue that the relationship between the US and Israel remains unbalanced, with Israel seeming to dictate terms and the US following suit. They believe that the US is bowing to Israeli demands rather than enforcing red lines and holding Israel accountable.

As the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies, the toll on civilian lives continues to rise. The war has already claimed the lives of more than 18,700 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. The US, as a key military backer of Israel, has faced increasing criticism for its support of Israel's actions in Gaza.

While the US has historically vetoed UN Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire, President Joe Biden has urged Israeli forces to exercise restraint and minimize civilian casualties. The recent escalation has drawn attention to the need for Israel to prioritize the protection of innocent lives.

As the offensive in Gaza persists, Israel has also maintained its operations in the occupied West Bank. Numerous raids and instances of settler violence have resulted in the death of 289 Palestinians and injuries to 3,365 individuals. The United Kingdom and several other countries have called on Israel to take immediate and concrete actions to address settler violence and safeguard Palestinian communities.

As the international community intensifies its calls for an end to the offensive and protection for Palestinian civilians, the situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank remains highly volatile. Immediate action is needed to prevent further bloodshed and pave the way for a lasting resolution that respects the rights and lives of all those involved.