In a recent statement reported by Al Jazeera, the United States has made it clear that it does not support Israel's military occupation of the Gaza Strip after the Israel-Hamas war comes to an end. The White House national security spokesperson, John Kirby, relayed President Joe Biden's stance, emphasizing that a reoccupation by Israeli forces of Gaza is not in alignment with Biden's vision for the region.

The statement from Kirby comes in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's suggestion that Israel would assume control of security in Gaza following the war. Netanyahu expressed that Israel would take responsibility for security for an "indefinite period," citing concerns of potential Hamas terror if security is relinquished.

However, the White House firmly stated that there is a need for extensive discussions on the post-conflict Gaza. Kirby reiterated that the situation cannot revert to how it was on October 6. The United States and Israel agree on what the future of Gaza cannot look like, but further dialogues are necessary to determine what governance and stability should comprise.

This declaration aligns with President Biden's previous remarks, wherein he emphasized the potential pitfalls of an Israeli occupation of Gaza, emphasizing that it would be a "mistake."

The Israel-Hamas conflict erupted after Hamas carried out a deadly rampage in southern Israel, resulting in the death of 1,400 individuals and the abduction of over 230 others, according to Israeli officials. Israel responded with an air and ground offensive targeting Hamas.

The toll of the conflict on Gaza has been immense, with Palestinian health authorities reporting at least 10,328 casualties, including 4,237 children. In the face of increasing international pressure for a ceasefire, both Israel and Hamas have remained steadfast in their refusal to capitulate. Israel has demanded the release of hostages held by Hamas, while Hamas has vowed to continue fighting until the assault on Gaza comes to an end.

Meanwhile, Israeli ground troops have been engaged in a fierce battle with Palestinian fighters, resulting in the division of the territory and the encirclement of Gaza City. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari stated that their ground forces were actively applying pressure on Hamas within Gaza City.

As Israel intensified its airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fled Gaza City towards the south, following Israeli evacuation orders. However, many remain hesitant to move due to Israeli troops controlling part of the critical north-south route.

Reports of destruction and loss of life continue to emerge from various locations within Gaza. Witnesses in Deir al-Balah reported that rescue workers retrieved the bodies of at least four individuals, including three children, from a collapsed building. In Khan Younis, an Israeli air attack destroyed several homes, resulting in the loss of five lives, including three children.

Compounding the situation, Israel has imposed a siege on Gaza, severely restricting access to essential resources such as food, water, and electricity. Fuel supplies have also been cut off, leaving over 2.3 million trapped residents struggling to cope within the sealed-off enclave.

In a further concerning development, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that a humanitarian convoy, delivering medical supplies to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, came under fire, resulting in a driver sustaining light injuries. The ICRC did not identify the source of the attack.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the closure of the Rafah crossing following the bombing of an ambulance en route to the crossing by Israeli forces. As the conflict escalates, international attention and pressure for a resolution continue to mount. The United States' stance against the Israeli occupation of Gaza serves as a significant voice in the ongoing struggle to establish peace and stability in the region.