The war in Gaza continues to escalate as Hamas rejects the latest proposal for a cease-fire and hostage release, while Israel blasts a U.N. Security Council resolution that called for both without linking them. Both sides have publicly insisted that their idea of victory is within reach, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushing for an expansion of the ground offensive to the southern city of Rafah. However, Hamas is holding onto hostages until Israel agrees to a more permanent cease-fire, withdraws its forces from Gaza, and releases Palestinian prisoners.

The war, which has killed over 32,000 Palestinians according to Gaza's Health Ministry, has left much of the Gaza Strip in ruins and driven a third of its population to the brink of famine. An Israeli strike on a residential building in Rafah killed at least 16 people, including nine children and four women. The United States, Qatar, and Egypt have been trying to negotiate a cease-fire and hostage release, but those efforts have stalled.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv to discuss alternatives to Israel's planned ground assault in Rafah, warning that it would worsen the humanitarian crisis. The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the provision of humanitarian assistance. However, the United States abstained from the vote, angering Israel and causing Prime Minister Netanyahu to criticize the U.S. for allowing the resolution to pass.

Despite the resolution, Israeli officials have indicated that they will not cease firing until all hostages are released and Hamas is destroyed. The conflict shows no signs of abating as both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with the international community struggling to find a way to end the bloodshed in Gaza.