According to Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, the Israel–Hamas conflict has paramount global importance. Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu stated that it is crucial for Israel to win the conflict, not just for the nation alone, but for the sake of peace and progress for the entire world. In what sounded like an attempt to gather support for his country, Netanyahu mentioned that if Israel doesn’t win, then Europe could be next. He also emphasized that the forces of good and civilization must prevail against those who want to take the world back to the Dark Ages, referring to Hamas as “the forces that take us back.”
Netanyahu maintained a defiant stance against international pressure for a ceasefire, vowing to continue the war until hostages are released and Gaza is demilitarized. He stated that a ceasefire would only be possible after the release of all hostages but rejected proposals implying that the Palestinian Authority would control Gaza after the conflict.
Despite international differences on the matter, Israel has defended its right to protect itself from Hamas attacks, responding to the continuing strategy of the Palestinian group to launch attacks from hospitals and schools. Additionally, U.S. military forces launched precision strikes in eastern Syria after continued attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria.