Intense Fighting in the Middle East Expected to Continue for at Least Two Months, Says Israeli Defense Minister

The Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has referred to the temporary ceasefire with Hamas as a short break, after which intense fighting will resume, according to reports from The Times of Israel and Haaretz.

"This will be a short break, after which intense fighting will continue. It is expected that there will be fighting for at least two months," Gallant stated during a meeting with Israeli military officials, as quoted by Haaretz.

Gallant also emphasized that ongoing military operations are necessary to secure the release of hostages, whom, according to the Israeli minister, Hamas will not free until Israel exerts pressure on the group.

Since the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, at least 1,200 people have been killed. The militants have taken approximately 240 Israelis and foreigners hostage. On November 21, it was announced that the parties had reached an agreement for a four-day cessation of military operations in the Gaza Strip, during which Hamas would release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. The ceasefire was set to begin on November 23 but was postponed until November 24.