In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israel's ground offensive in the Gaza Strip has entered a critical stage, with the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) ramping up efforts to destroy Hamas's extensive network of underground tunnels. However, as the campaign intensifies, tensions are rising between the Israeli government's stated objectives and international support for its actions.

With around four divisions and approximately 10,000 troops now deployed in Gaza, Israel is making significant progress in its mission to eradicate Hamas's tunnel system. Infantry brigades inside IDF headquarters at the Negev Desert are coordinating search-and-destroy missions from a tent, while columns of Israeli troops move into the center of Gaza city and comb through outlying towns for tunnel openings. The IDF recognizes the current ground offensive as a crucial opportunity to neutralize as much of Hamas's underground network as possible.

France's president, Emmanuel Macron, has called for a ceasefire, expressing concerns over civilian casualties, particularly in hospitals. However, the United States, Israel's closest ally, has not yet demanded a halt to the offensive. This has prompted the Israeli army to forge ahead without delay. Nevertheless, the Israeli government finds itself caught between its objectives of destroying Hamas's military infrastructure and rescuing the 239 remaining hostages in Gaza, increasingly realizing that these objectives are becoming more challenging to reconcile.

Hospitals in central Gaza, particularly al-Shifa, have recently drawn significant attention as they not only care for the wounded but also serve as shelters for thousands of civilians still in the city. Israeli intelligence suspects that these hospitals also serve as Hamas's main underground headquarters. Allegations have surfaced regarding Israel firing at hospitals and cutting off their electricity, resulting in the deaths of patients. In response, Israel has announced the opening of escape routes for civilians from three hospitals, leading them to safety outside the Israeli perimeter.

While the Israeli war cabinet, led by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, has not authorized a final assault on the hospitals, negotiations for the release of hostages are ongoing. Israel seeks the release of at least a hundred hostages, while offering the freedom of Palestinian prisoners and increased supplies, including fuel, as part of a potential agreement. Talks are being conducted indirectly in Qatar and Egypt, but the ultimate decision rests with Yahya Sinwar, Hamas's leader in Gaza, who is Israel's primary target. The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, making it unlikely that Israel will abandon its plans to neutralize any Hamas facilities near or below hospitals.

Simultaneously, Israel's refusal to consider any form of Palestinian control over Gaza after the conflict is undermining international support for its campaign. Calls from the far-right coalition to re-occupy Gaza and rebuild previously dismantled settlements have added to the complexity. While Prime Minister Netanyahu denies any such plans, he insists on Israel retaining overall security control even after the war ends. He also rejects the return of the Palestinian Authority, citing education fostering hatred and failure to condemn past acts of violence.

Although the fate of Gaza hangs in the balance, Israeli officials are quietly working on plans for the territory's future, indicating a concern for post-war developments. As the ground offensive continues, Israel seeks to persuade the remaining estimated 100,000 civilians in Gaza city to make their way to the south for their safety. The situation remains fluid, with objectives, negotiations, and political considerations intertwining, making a resolution ever more elusive.