The conflict, which started after a major attack by Hamas on October 7 that killed 1,200, primarily civilians, has escalated into its third month, leaving over 18,600 dead, majorly women and children, and causing extensive destruction of infrastructure.

Despite a UN General Assembly resolution favoring a ceasefire, passed by 153 countries, hostilities persist. Many Gazans now face harsh winter conditions and displacement, with essential resources dwindling.

Grief envelops Gaza as casualties rise, including a father of seven, while Israel reports the loss of 115 soldiers. US President Biden has expressed diminishing global support for Israel due to the severe tactics employed, a point of tension with Israel's stance to relentlessly pursue victory over Hamas.

As US national security adviser Jake Sullivan plans to meet Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, disagreements over post-conflict governance in Gaza remain, while Hamas insists on its central role in any future plans.

Meanwhile, the US and UK have imposed new sanctions on Hamas in response to the October attacks. Gaza's healthcare system has reached a breaking point, with supplies for critical vaccines exhausted. The World Bank has highlighted the extraordinary scale of the conflict's impact.

Amidst accusations by Israel of Hamas using civilian facilities for military purposes, violence spreads beyond Gaza, with skirmishes on the Lebanon border and attacks against US and allied forces in the region. Israeli President Herzog has condemned actions by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, emphasizing the strategic and humanitarian crisis unfolding across the wider area.