Israel's offensive in Gaza is expected to continue for several more months.

 Israel's offensive in Gaza is expected to continue for several more months.

Gaza

  Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has told the army that he will not stop fighting in Gaza, no matter how much diplomatic pressure there is.  Netanyahu has also told senior US officials that the campaign in Gaza will not end until complete victory is achieved.  No matter how much the outside world pressures him, he will continue this fight.  His only goal is the total destruction of Hamas.

  White House national security adviser Jack Sullivan arrived in Israel on Thursday.  Netanyahu's office issued a statement after the meeting with him.  "I told my American friend that we will not let the fight of our brave fighters fail," the statement added, "to honor the soldiers we have lost, the fight must continue until Hamas is eliminated."  Netanyahu's office has clearly stated that he will continue.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyah

  The White House spokesman said of the meeting that the US representative also asked difficult questions of Israel.  He wanted to know if it is possible to change the way Israel currently conducts its operations in Gaza.  But Israel said that is how the operation will continue for the time being

  Israel made clear once again today that it believes it will take several more months to eliminate all Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip.  In fact, Israeli forces have begun pumping seawater into several tunnels in Gaza.  As a result, they believe Hamas leaders will be forced out of the tunnel.

  Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry said Thursday that 18,787 people have been killed in Israel's strikes so far.  Among them there are many women and children.  Separately, the Israel Defense Forces said a six-hour ceasefire will be declared at the Rafah border.