In an ongoing conflict that shows no signs of abating, Israeli strikes in central Gaza have resulted in the death of at least 35 people, according to hospital officials. The violence continues despite international calls for a ceasefire, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterating his stance that the war will continue for "many more months." As tensions escalate, concerns over a broader regional conflagration grow.

The Israeli government maintains that its objective is to dismantle Hamas' governing and military capabilities in Gaza, the area from where the militant group launched its attack on southern Israel in October. The initial breach of Israel's extensive border defenses resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the hostage-taking of 240 others, significantly undermining Israel's sense of security.

Since the beginning of Israel's air and ground offensive, over 21,800 Palestinians have lost their lives, and more than 55,000 others have been wounded, as reported by the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza. The massive destruction caused by the conflict has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, with a quarter of Gaza's residents now facing the threat of starvation, according to the United Nations. Additionally, Israeli bombardments have rendered large portions of the territory uninhabitable, displacing approximately 85% of Gaza's 2.3 million inhabitants.

Despite growing opposition, Israel continues its military operations. The Israeli military announced on Sunday that it is engaged in battles with militants in Khan Younis, where they believe Hamas leaders are hiding. They also claim to have discovered and defused a bomb in a kindergarten within the urban Shati refugee camp in northern Gaza. Throughout the conflict, Hamas has shown a steadfast resolve, continuously launching rockets towards southern Israel.

The prolonged duration of the war and the extent of the destruction in Gaza raise questions about Israel's ability to achieve its goal of dismantling Hamas and the potential repercussions that may follow. Netanyahu has emphasized the necessity for Israel to maintain long-term security control over the Gaza Strip. He expressed intentions to assume control of the Gaza side of the border with Egypt, highlighting the need for demilitarization.

However, this stance puts Netanyahu at odds with the United States President Joe Biden's administration, which has been a crucial source of military aid for Israel. The US supports the establishment of a unified Palestinian government that would administer both Gaza and parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank as a step towards eventual statehood. Netanyahu has also rejected the involvement of the internationally-backed Palestinian Authority in any future rule over Gaza.

Amidst the ongoing conflict, there are indications that some Israelis are growing impatient with Netanyahu's leadership. Thousands of people participated in one of the largest demonstrations against the prime minister since the start of the war. The nation remains divided over Netanyahu's long-standing leadership and his plans for a judicial overhaul.

Efforts to negotiate a resolution have been led by Egypt, serving as a mediator between Israel and Hamas. Egypt has proposed a multistage plan that includes a hostage-prisoner swap and a temporary ceasefire. Similar arrangements in the past have seen the release of hostages by Hamas and the release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel. However, reaching a new agreement appears challenging, with both Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad militant group insisting that hostages will only be freed once Israel ends the offensive and withdraws from Gaza.