Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the war against Hamas in Gaza will be a challenging and extended conflict. Netanyahu described the situation as an "existential test" for Israel. Hamas, on the other hand, has demanded the release of all Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the Israeli hostages it kidnapped during the October 7 attacks.

Israel's military reported that at least 230 hostages, including dozens of foreigners or dual nationals, have been taken to Gaza. Hamas claimed that nearly 50 of the hostages were killed in Israeli airstrikes. The United Nations has warned of the potentially catastrophic consequences of large-scale ground operations in Gaza, with thousands more civilians at risk of losing their lives.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has offered an immediate prisoner exchange deal with Israel, calling for the release of all Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the prisoners held by Hamas. Meanwhile, India abstained from voting on a UN resolution that called for an immediate humanitarian truce.

With Israel launching its heaviest strikes on Gaza, hitting 150 underground Hamas targets, and Israeli ground forces intensifying operations in the region, the question remains: will the war in Gaza be long and difficult?