With no end in sight to the fighting, John Finer, a top White House national security aide, said the United States has given Israel no specific deadline to end major combat operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Had given.
Finer said at the Aspen Security Forum in Washington that there remain many “legitimate military targets” in southern Gaza, including “many if not most” of the Hamas leadership.
Meanwhile, hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are still being held in secret despite calls for Israel to arrange a visit from the Red Cross and confirm their well-being.
The beginning of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, marking two months since the Hamas attack, was a significant moment for many in Israel.
Idit Ohel, whose 22-year-old son Alon was abducted by Hamas gunmen from an outdoor concert where 364 people were killed, said she was hoping for a miracle.
“He doesn’t know it’s Hanukkah. I don’t think he knows the days, what’s day, what’s night,” Ohel said. “But he is in our hearts all the time.”