Let's reflect on the moments, individuals, and trends that piqued our collective curiosity in 2023. As customary this time of year, internet companies unveil the top trends by analysing data, showcasing what the world searched for the most in the last 12 months. In this story, we present the major Google search trends of 2023.

Israel-Hamas tops list of Google searches in 2023

Israel bombs Gaza as rift with US grows. US President Joe Biden, whose government has provided Israel with billions of dollars in military aid, delivers his sharpest rebuke of the war. US National security adviser Jake Sullivan discusses “efforts to reduce harm to civilians” during israel visit.

IDF to continue war with or without international support: Netanyahu

The Israeli army has killed three captives held by Palestinian armed groups in Gaza after mistakenly identifying them as a threat, according to Israeli military officials.

Israel-Hamas war: IDF mistake kills three hostages held in Gaza

National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said that once Hamas is defeated in Gaza, Israel may have to go to war against Hezbollah across the northern border in Lebanon. While on the other hand, Yemen's Houthis vow to target all Israel-bound ships in Red Sea.

Israel-Hamas war: Another attack in the Red Sea by the Yemen's Houthis

Israel-Hamas war: IDF mistake kills three hostages in Gaza

Israel continues to pound the Gaza Strip with increased intensity the ongoing military offensive continues to flatten Southern Gaza. Over 90% of Gaza's 2.3 million civilians stand displaced.

Israel-Hamas war: Palestinian death toll touches 18,890, including 7,729 children

Israel-Hamas war: IDF releases video footage of operations in Gaza & Jabalia

Israel faces pressure to scale down offensive, US urges Israel to end war

Israel-Hamas war: Will Israel push back amid mounting international pressure?

The Iran-backed Houthis have targeted another cargo ship in the Red Sea. The incident comes after a series of attacks by the group. Have they officially joined Hamas? Hem Saroya reports.

Gravitas | Houthis target cargo ship in the Red Sea

The United States on Thursday (Dec 14) said that it wants the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas to "end as soon as possible," the White House said.

The comments by the White House came amid US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's visit to Israel as the international pressure mounted over Tel Aviv due to a rise in the number of civilian casualties in Gaza more than two months into the Israel-Hamas war.

Sullivan, during his visit to Tel Aviv, discussed Israel moving to "low-intensity operations" against Gaza "in the near future", White House spokesman John Kirby said.&nbsp;

The top White House official also met Defence Minister Yoav Gallant who told him that the war would last for "more than several months", according to Gallant's office.

"Hamas is a terrorist organization that built itself over a decade to fight Israel, and they built infrastructure under the ground and above the ground and it is not easy to destroy them," his office said in a statement.

"It will require a period of time -- it will last more than several months, but we will win and we will destroy them," it added.

Ahead of his trip, Sullivan said at a Wall Street Journal event that he would discuss a timetable to end the war and urge Israeli leaders "to move to a different phase from the kind of high-intensity operations that we see today."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-is-confident-over-victory-in-war-says-goals-have-not-changed-in-ukraine-669620">Vladimir Putin is confident of victory in war, says goals have not changed in Ukraine</a>

Israel has come under mounting pressure even from its key backer US as President Joe Biden said Tel Aviv's "indiscriminate" bombing of civilians was costing it international support.

<h2>Spain FM urges Israel to distinguish 'terrorists' from Gaza civilians</h2>

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Thursday called on Israel to differentiate between its "terrorist targets" and civilians in Gaza, adding that places of worship, hospitals and UN buildings should be spared.

"Spain's voice will always be raised to protect the rights of the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza," Albares said on a visit to Morocco.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nothing-will-stop-us-until-victory-in-gaza-says-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-669443"> 'Nothing will stop us' until victory is achieved in Gaza, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>

"We must make a distinction between terrorist targets and the civilian population. We cannot have places of worship, hospitals, United Nations offices as targets," he said at a joint press conference with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita.

Albares further setting the record straight about Spain's backing to Israel in its war against Hamas said that his country had condemned the attacks launched by the Palestinian militant group and that Tel Aviv had the right to defend itself but "this defence against this terrorist attack must be done within the limits of international humanitarian law".

This comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday reiterated that "nothing could stop" his country from continuing the war until it achieves victory against the Palestinian militant group.

"We will continue until the end. There is no question at all. I say this in light of great pain, but also in light of international pressure. Nothing will stop us. We are going until the end, until victory, nothing less than that," Netanyahu said in a video statement released by his office.

While talking to the soldiers over the radio, Netanyahu said, "I want you to pass this along to the last of the soldiers - we're continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated, let there be no doubt about this. This is important, it is a message I want to convey to each and every soldier over there."

Around 1,200 Israelis, most of them civilians, lost their lives in the Oct 7 attacks, in which Hamas gunmen also took some 240 hostages, according to Israeli officials.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United States on Thursday (Dec 14) said that it wants the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas to "end as soon as possible," the White House said.

The United States on Thursday (Dec 14) said that it wants the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas to "end as soon as possible," the White House said. The comments by the White House came amid US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's visit to Israel as the international pressure mounted over Tel Aviv due to a rise in the number of civilian casualties in Gaza more than two months into the Israel-Hamas war. Sullivan, during his visit to Tel Aviv, discussed Israel moving to "low-intensity operations" against Gaza "in the near future", White House spokesman John Kirby said. The top White House official also met Defence Minister Yoav Gallant who told him that the war would last for "more than several months", according to Gallant's office. "Hamas is a terrorist organization that built itself over a decade to fight Israel, and they built infrastructure under the ground and above the ground and it is not easy to destroy them," his office said in a statement. "It will require a period of time -- it will last more than several months, but we will win and we will destroy them," it added. Ahead of his trip, Sullivan said at a Wall Street Journal event that he would discuss a timetable to end the war and urge Israeli leaders "to move to a different phase from the kind of high-intensity operations that we see today." Also read: Vladimir Putin is confident of victory in war, says goals have not changed in Ukraine Israel has come under mounting pressure even from its key backer US as President Joe Biden said Tel Aviv's "indiscriminate" bombing of civilians was costing it international support. Spain FM urges Israel to distinguish 'terrorists' from Gaza civilians Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Thursday called on Israel to differentiate between its "terrorist targets" and civilians in Gaza, adding that places of worship, hospitals and UN buildings should be spared. "Spain's voice will always be raised to protect the rights of the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza," Albares said on a visit to Morocco. Also read: 'Nothing will stop us' until victory is achieved in Gaza, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "We must make a distinction between terrorist targets and the civilian population. We cannot have places of worship, hospitals, United Nations offices as targets," he said at a joint press conference with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita. Albares further setting the record straight about Spain's backing to Israel in its war against Hamas said that his country had condemned the attacks launched by the Palestinian militant group and that Tel Aviv had the right to defend itself but "this defence against this terrorist attack must be done within the limits of international humanitarian law". This comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday reiterated that "nothing could stop" his country from continuing the war until it achieves victory against the Palestinian militant group. "We will continue until the end. There is no question at all. I say this in light of great pain, but also in light of international pressure. Nothing will stop us. We are going until the end, until victory, nothing less than that," Netanyahu said in a video statement released by his office. While talking to the soldiers over the radio, Netanyahu said, "I want you to pass this along to the last of the soldiers - we're continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated, let there be no doubt about this. This is important, it is a message I want to convey to each and every soldier over there." Around 1,200 Israelis, most of them civilians, lost their lives in the Oct 7 attacks, in which Hamas gunmen also took some 240 hostages, according to Israeli officials. (With inputs from agencies)

United States wants Israel-Hamas war to end 'as soon as possible', says White House

US President Joe Biden administration's support of Israel in the war against Hamas has drawn sharp criticism both from Americans protesting Palestinian civilian deaths and from state department staff calling for a cease-fire. Question remains is US' support for Israel waning due to deaths in Gaza?

US says not right for Israel to occupy Gaza long-term as death toll rises

Ripples of the Gaza war are being felt miles away in the Red Sea. Yemen’s Houthi rebels have vowed to attack all ships bound for Israel. They call it their response to Israeli atrocities in Gaza. It has the west alarmed. What can the Houthis do - are they a serious threat? Ghadi Francis explains.

Yemen Houthis attack ships in the Red Sea

Hospital, refugee camp, school - nowhere is safe in Gaza. Civilian order is up for a toss. There is no food, no clean water, no medicines. The Gaza strip’s reality worsens every single day this war stretches. The un has said that half of the Gazan population - that is around a million people face the risk of starvation. Ghadi Francis brings you the tale of Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: 19,000 Gazans killed since October 7th attack

Israel is losing allies… the Jewish leaders are not seeing eye to eye with their American mentors. Europe has for weeks condemned civilian killings in Gaza. But the Israeli Defence Minister has vowed to continue - with or without support. Ghadi Francis details how Israel’s civilian killings in Gaza might leave it isolated on the world stage.

Israel-Hamas war: Is Israel losing global support?

What the future holds for Gaza. It is a big uncertain territory. Israel has rejected the option of p-a ruling the strip, while Arab nations say there will be no rebuilding plans until a two-state solution-based peace plan is kick-started. Ghadi Francis gets more on this big question - what is next for Gaza?

Israel-Hamas war: Who will take responsibility for Gaza?

The United States is urging Israel to move towards surgical operations against Hamas as opposed to its current broad ground campaign. The shift in the strategy was suggested by the White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

Israel-Hamas war: US pushes for surgical operations in Gaza

United States Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly become the cause of tensions in the White House.&nbsp;As per reports, President Joe Biden's second-in-command has been urging him and other colleagues to show more sensitivity to the plight of Palestinian civilians, as the death toll in Gaza continues to mount.&nbsp;

<h2>A push for sympathy</h2>

As per a Politico report, Harris has been telling her colleagues that she wants the White House to publicly be sensitive and show more concern about the humanitarian damage in Gaza.

The publication reports that in internal conversations about the Israel-Hamas war, Harris has expressed her belief that the US should be "tougher" on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/israel-hamas-conflict-takes-toll-on-neighbouring-economies-un-study-warns-of-10-bn-impact-669871">Israel-Hamas conflict takes toll on neighbouring economies, UN study warns of $10 bn impact</a>

She has called for being "more forceful at seeking a long-term peace and two-state solution," said one person.

Harris has reportedly also argued that the US should start making "day after" plans for when the war ends, leaving behind wreckage.

The source of this information, as cited by Politico, is "three people familiar with Harris' comments".

<h2>Differences between Biden and Harris?</h2>

There are longstanding differences in perspective between Harris and Biden, reports Politico. However, Kirsten Allen, Kamala Harris'&nbsp;press secretary, clarified that "there is no daylight between the president and the vice president, nor has there been".

Allen said that the two are aligned and "have been clear: Israel has a right and responsibility to defend itself; humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow into Gaza; innocent civilians must be protected; and the United States remains committed to a two-state solution."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-wants-israel-hamas-war-to-end-as-soon-as-possible-says-white-house-669806">United States wants Israel-Hamas war to end 'as soon as possible', says White House</a>

She also cautioned the media "about citing anonymous sources in the ‘orbit’ about sensitive national security conversations between the president and vice president that take place in the Oval Office."

Since the beginning of this war on Oct 7, the US has repeatedly made mention of its support for Israel's right to defend itself, and spoken up about a rise in antisemitism. However, as per a Washington Post report from last month, in October, Harris had urged Biden to condemn Islamophobia along with antisemitism.&nbsp;

Since then, the US has grown increasingly willing to criticise Israel's "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza, with Biden even calling on the Netanyahu government to "change" its methods.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly become the cause of tensions in the White House. As per reports, President Joe Biden's second-in-command has been urging him and other colleagues to show more sensitivity to the plight of Palestinian civilians, as the death toll in Gaza continues to mount.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly become the cause of tensions in the White House. As per reports, President Joe Biden's second-in-command has been urging him and other colleagues to show more sensitivity to the plight of Palestinian civilians, as the death toll in Gaza continues to mount. A push for sympathy As per a Politico report, Harris has been telling her colleagues that she wants the White House to publicly be sensitive and show more concern about the humanitarian damage in Gaza. The publication reports that in internal conversations about the Israel-Hamas war, Harris has expressed her belief that the US should be "tougher" on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Also read | Israel-Hamas conflict takes toll on neighbouring economies, UN study warns of $10 bn impact She has called for being "more forceful at seeking a long-term peace and two-state solution," said one person. Harris has reportedly also argued that the US should start making "day after" plans for when the war ends, leaving behind wreckage. The source of this information, as cited by Politico, is "three people familiar with Harris' comments". Differences between Biden and Harris? There are longstanding differences in perspective between Harris and Biden, reports Politico. However, Kirsten Allen, Kamala Harris' press secretary, clarified that "there is no daylight between the president and the vice president, nor has there been". Allen said that the two are aligned and "have been clear: Israel has a right and responsibility to defend itself; humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow into Gaza; innocent civilians must be protected; and the United States remains committed to a two-state solution." Also read | United States wants Israel-Hamas war to end 'as soon as possible', says White House She also cautioned the media "about citing anonymous sources in the ‘orbit’ about sensitive national security conversations between the president and vice president that take place in the Oval Office." Since the beginning of this war on Oct 7, the US has repeatedly made mention of its support for Israel's right to defend itself, and spoken up about a rise in antisemitism. However, as per a Washington Post report from last month, in October, Harris had urged Biden to condemn Islamophobia along with antisemitism. Since then, the US has grown increasingly willing to criticise Israel's "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza, with Biden even calling on the Netanyahu government to "change" its methods. (With inputs from agencies)

US VP Harris urges President Biden to be 'tougher' on Netanyahu, sparks tensions: Report

The United Nations demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as US President Joe Biden warned Israel it was losing international support because of its "indiscriminate" bombing of civilians in its war against Hamas militants.

Israel-Hamas war: Biden warns Israeli government of losing support amid war with Hamas

Israel faced condemnation from international leaders, communities over their aerial bombing campaign on Palestine's Gaza, that killed over 18,000 people. Now an intelligence report by the United States have revealed that more than half the bombs dropped were ‘dumb bombs’ or untargeted, not precise bombs.

'Dumb bombs' used in almost half of Israeli strikes on Gaza, says US Intelligence

The U.S.'s recent vote against a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, contrary to the global consensus, marks a significant departure from its traditional stance. This development, amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, signals a pivotal moment in U.S.-Israel relations. President Biden's criticism of Israel's post-war governance approach and Prime Minister Netanyahu's skepticism about the Palestinian Authority's capabilities highlight deep-rooted political differences.

Gravitas | Rift between U.S President Joe Biden & Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu widens over Gaza

Even as the civilian casualties in Gaza continue to rise, Israeli citizens say that the army should not back off from its unrelenting offensive to crush the militant group Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday, echoed the sentiments and announced that the country will continue to fight.

This is despite the international calls for a ceasefire and the fading global sympathy for Israel.

<h2>'Now is not the time to back down'</h2>

Polls conducted in recent weeks show overwhelming support for the war. Talking to Reuters on Wednesday, four Israeli citizens said that regardless of fading global sympathy for Israel — aptly reflected in Tuesday's UN resolution — now was not the time to back down.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nothing-will-stop-us-until-victory-in-gaza-says-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-669443">'Nothing will stop us' until victory in Gaza, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>

"If we don't take this fight to the end, then tomorrow morning we'll have battles in the north and in the east and the south and maybe Iran. Therefore, we have no choice," said Ben Zion Levinger, a retired IT worker.

<h2>Hamas annihilation is the goal</h2>

The public's sentiment is an echo of what the Israeli officials feel.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while talking to soldiers, said that the country will continue fighting "until the end".

"We're continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated," he told soldiers in Gaza over radio.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-starts-flooding-seawater-in-gaza-tunnels-to-dismantle-hamas-network-report-669279">Israel starts flooding seawater in Gaza tunnels to dismantle Hamas network: Report</a>

"I say this in the face of great pain but also in the face of international pressures. Nothing will stop us."

In an interview, Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee chair, Yuli Edelstein, said that although the cost was "terrible", the nation's military operation's goal was the total destruction of Hamas Infrastructure in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>Israelis and war: What the polls show</h2>

Even as international pressure for a ceasefire builds, more than three-quarters of Israelis said that the nation's offensive should continue — without adjustments that could potentially reduce Palestinian civilian casualties.

These are the results of a survey conducted in November by the Israel Democracy Institute, after a week-long pause in hostilities.&nbsp;

Many people felt that deaths were an acceptable price to pay for future security.

"There is a sense of first revenge, mainly on the right, and on the left and the centre they see it as I would say secondary to the achievements of the war … it is being perceived as collateral damage," reports Reuters.

As per a poll conducted by Tel Aviv University late in October, only 10 per cent of the respondents thought that the army was using too much firepower. Others said Israel was doing what it could to avoid killing non-combatants.

"It's awful. It's awful that there are so many civilian casualties," said Jerusalem resident Adam Saville, adding,&nbsp;"But this is war, and that's what happens in war."

Even as the civilian casualties in Gaza continue to rise, Israeli citizens say that the army should not back off from its unrelenting offensive to crush the militant group Hamas.

Even as the civilian casualties in Gaza continue to rise, Israeli citizens say that the army should not back off from its unrelenting offensive to crush the militant group Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday, echoed the sentiments and announced that the country will continue to fight. This is despite the international calls for a ceasefire and the fading global sympathy for Israel. 'Now is not the time to back down' Polls conducted in recent weeks show overwhelming support for the war. Talking to Reuters on Wednesday, four Israeli citizens said that regardless of fading global sympathy for Israel — aptly reflected in Tuesday's UN resolution — now was not the time to back down. Also read | 'Nothing will stop us' until victory in Gaza, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "If we don't take this fight to the end, then tomorrow morning we'll have battles in the north and in the east and the south and maybe Iran. Therefore, we have no choice," said Ben Zion Levinger, a retired IT worker. Hamas annihilation is the goal The public's sentiment is an echo of what the Israeli officials feel. On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while talking to soldiers, said that the country will continue fighting "until the end". "We're continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated," he told soldiers in Gaza over radio. Also read | Israel starts flooding seawater in Gaza tunnels to dismantle Hamas network: Report "I say this in the face of great pain but also in the face of international pressures. Nothing will stop us." In an interview, Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee chair, Yuli Edelstein, said that although the cost was "terrible", the nation's military operation's goal was the total destruction of Hamas Infrastructure in Gaza. Israelis and war: What the polls show Even as international pressure for a ceasefire builds, more than three-quarters of Israelis said that the nation's offensive should continue — without adjustments that could potentially reduce Palestinian civilian casualties. These are the results of a survey conducted in November by the Israel Democracy Institute, after a week-long pause in hostilities. Many people felt that deaths were an acceptable price to pay for future security. "There is a sense of first revenge, mainly on the right, and on the left and the centre they see it as I would say secondary to the achievements of the war … it is being perceived as collateral damage," reports Reuters. As per a poll conducted by Tel Aviv University late in October, only 10 per cent of the respondents thought that the army was using too much firepower. Others said Israel was doing what it could to avoid killing non-combatants. "It's awful. It's awful that there are so many civilian casualties," said Jerusalem resident Adam Saville, adding, "But this is war, and that's what happens in war."

'Awful...but that's what happens in war': Israelis want Hamas crushed despite Gaza casualties

It's day 67 of the Israel-Gaza war but there seems to be no definite end in sight at the moment. But as we head into Christmas, it seems like it's not just those on the frontlines that are suffering. Israeli businesses are also feeling the chill this Christmas. Take a look at this report to find out more...

Impact of Israel-Gaza war: Festive cheer dulls in Bethlehem

There is no relief in sight for Gazans amid Israel's continued onslaught - the increased death tolls, forced displacements, lack of food and fuel, and other basic necessities. Now, heavy rains have added to their miseries.

Israel-Hamas war: Displaced Gaza residents sheltering in tents face heavy rainfall | WION

Israel on Wednesday (Dec 13) declared that it would continue its war against Hamas in Gaza "with or without international support".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reiterated that "nothing could stop" his country from continuing the war until it achieves victory against the Palestinian militant group.

"We will continue until the end. There is no question at all. I say this in light of great pain, but also in light of international pressure. Nothing will stop us. We are going until the end, until victory, nothing less than that," Netanyahu said in a video statement released by his office.

While talking to the soldiers over the radio, Netanyahu said, "I want you to pass this along to the last of the soldiers - we're continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated, let there be no doubt about this. This is important, it is a message I want to convey to each and every soldier over there."

Israel announced its worst combat casualties in more than a month on Wednesday after an ambush in the ruins of Gaza City and fronted growing diplomatic seclusion as civilian deaths ascended and a humanitarian catastrophe deepened.

Tel Aviv said that 10 of its soldiers lost their lives in the intense fighting in the past 24 hours, including a full colonel commanding a forward base and a lieutenant colonel commanding a regiment.

Hamas said the incident showed that Israeli forces could never subdue Gaza: "The longer you stay there, the greater the bill of your deaths and losses will be, and you will emerge from it carrying the tail of disappointment and loss, God willing."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-starts-flooding-seawater-in-gaza-tunnels-to-dismantle-hamas-network-report-669279">Israel starts flooding seawater in Gaza tunnels to dismantle Hamas network: Report</a>

The intense fighting between the two warring sides continued a day after the United Nations demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.&nbsp;

Israel also came under mounting pressure from its key backer United States when President Joe Biden said Tel Aviv's "indiscriminate" bombing of civilians was costing it international support.

<h2>Biden meets families of US hostages</h2>

Meanwhile, Biden on Wednesday met the families of the people held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

According to the officials, the gathering took place in the White House where Secretary of State Antony Blinken was also present.

Approximately eight US hostages are being held in Gaza, according to the Biden administration.

As per the Israeli officials, after the swap that happened during the truce between both sides, nearly 135 hostages are still held captive in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 
&nbsp;

Israel on Wednesday (Dec 13) declared that it would continue its war against Hamas in Gaza "with or without international support". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reiterated that "nothing could stop" his country from continuing the war until it achieves victory against the Palestinian militant group.

Israel on Wednesday (Dec 13) declared that it would continue its war against Hamas in Gaza "with or without international support". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reiterated that "nothing could stop" his country from continuing the war until it achieves victory against the Palestinian militant group. "We will continue until the end. There is no question at all. I say this in light of great pain, but also in light of international pressure. Nothing will stop us. We are going until the end, until victory, nothing less than that," Netanyahu said in a video statement released by his office. While talking to the soldiers over the radio, Netanyahu said, "I want you to pass this along to the last of the soldiers - we're continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated, let there be no doubt about this. This is important, it is a message I want to convey to each and every soldier over there." Israel announced its worst combat casualties in more than a month on Wednesday after an ambush in the ruins of Gaza City and fronted growing diplomatic seclusion as civilian deaths ascended and a humanitarian catastrophe deepened. Tel Aviv said that 10 of its soldiers lost their lives in the intense fighting in the past 24 hours, including a full colonel commanding a forward base and a lieutenant colonel commanding a regiment. Hamas said the incident showed that Israeli forces could never subdue Gaza: "The longer you stay there, the greater the bill of your deaths and losses will be, and you will emerge from it carrying the tail of disappointment and loss, God willing." Also read: Israel starts flooding seawater in Gaza tunnels to dismantle Hamas network: Report The intense fighting between the two warring sides continued a day after the United Nations demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Israel also came under mounting pressure from its key backer United States when President Joe Biden said Tel Aviv's "indiscriminate" bombing of civilians was costing it international support. Biden meets families of US hostages Meanwhile, Biden on Wednesday met the families of the people held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. According to the officials, the gathering took place in the White House where Secretary of State Antony Blinken was also present. Approximately eight US hostages are being held in Gaza, according to the Biden administration. As per the Israeli officials, after the swap that happened during the truce between both sides, nearly 135 hostages are still held captive in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

'Nothing will stop us' until victory is achieved in Gaza, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Yemen's Houthi rebels have carried out another attack in the Red Sea. A commercial tanker shipped from India narrowly escaped two missiles launched by the group on Wednesday and this comes just a day after they attacked a Norwegian oil tanker a day before as well.

Israel-Hamas war: Houthis attack oil tanker from India in Red Sea, was headed from Mangalore

Days after the Israeli defence minister hinted that Israel could open a second war front in Lebanon, IDF escalates its strikes on the Lebanese border. Will Israel open a second front with Lebanon?

Israel's Foreign Minister said war in Gaza would continue 'with or without' International support

After weeks of massive pounding of the Gaza Strip, Israel's staunchest ally, the United States, has raised concern about the future of the war. United States NSA Jake Sullivan is headed to Tel Aviv for talks on the timeline of war. To know more watch this interview with Dr Adam Day, Head in Geneva office, UN Centre for Policy Research.

Pressure mounts on Israel over deaths in Gaza, Jake Sullivan to discuss timeline of war

After weeks of massive pounding of the Gaza Strip, Israel's staunchest ally, the United States, has raised concern on the future of the war. United States NSA Jake Sullivan is headed to Tel Aviv for talks on the timeline of war.

US expresses concerns over Gaza casualties, Jake Sullivan to discuss timeline of war

US: White House advisor Jake Sullivan to visit Israel amid tensions over Gaza | World News | WION

The US is showing signs of strained patience with ally Israel. Reports say the Biden administration is holding up the sale of more than 20,000 US made rifles to Israel. U.S. National security advisor Jake Sullivan is travelling to Israel for talks

Israel war: US stops sale of M16 guns to Israel, as tensions rise

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