Concerns over prolonged conflict in Gaza emerge as 'intense battling' diminishes

Benjamin Netanyahu has mentioned that the intense combat phase against Hamas in Gaza is gradually drawing to a close, yet without any publicly announced plans for subsequent stages of Israel's operation, Palestinians and Israeli citizens alike harbor concerns over a prolonged conflict potentially morphing into an era marked by guerilla-style warfare and enduring occupation.

Israel’s military chiefs are anticipated to soon declare that the major ground offensive in Gaza City's southern district of Rafah has concluded, although Prime Minister Netanyahu maintains the hostilities will not cease until Israel secures "absolute victory," which he equates with eliminating Hamas as both a civilian and military force.

Nevertheless, nearly nine months since the campaign was expected to conclude by January, several of the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) declared objectives remain unfulfilled while sporadic clashes persist in zones that should be under Israeli control.

While both sides have hinted at cautious advances recently, negotiations for ceasefires and hostage releases continue to falter. In addition, despite considerable pressure domestically and internationally, the Israeli government has yet to disclose its post-war proposals for Gaza. An insider revealed these plans to a news outlet as "unrealistic" scenarios proposed by Netanyahu and his team.

The individual quoted expressed skepticism about their seriousness, suggesting that they may merely serve the purpose of buying time. They warned against potential implications for Gaza resembling those observed in Somalia.
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