In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, pressure has been mounting on US President Joe Biden to take a firm stance and give Israel a deadline to end its campaign. However, Biden has defied this pressure, refusing to impose any deadlines on Israel. This decision comes as Israeli forces have dropped leaflets warning Palestinians to flee parts of southern Gaza, potentially signaling an expansion of their offensive. The majority of Gaza's population has already fled to the south to escape the intense bombardment and ground assault.

The situation in Gaza is already dire, with over 1.5 million people internally displaced and facing shortages of food, water, and electricity. Egypt has also refused to allow a mass transfer of Palestinians onto its soil, leaving them with limited options for shelter and safety. The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by a Hamas attack into southern Israel that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of hundreds more.

With over 11,200 Palestinians reported killed, including two-thirds women and minors, and an additional 2,700 missing, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate. The conflict has also led to tensions elsewhere, as gunmen recently shot and wounded four people at a checkpoint on the road between Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Despite calls for intervention and a deadline for Israel to end its campaign, Biden has chosen not to impose any such ultimatums. His decision has drawn criticism from those who believe that the US should be taking a stronger stance to bring an end to the violence and suffering in Gaza.