KATHMANDU: A senior Israeli official, national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, announced that the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip is expected to continue until the end of the year. He stated that approximately seven more months of fighting are anticipated to dismantle Hamas’ power and military capabilities, despite ongoing calls for a cease-fire.

During a visit to Moldova, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the necessity for Israel to have a postwar plan in place promptly to avoid chaos. He warned that without a strategic plan, Hamas might retain control, which is unacceptable, or there could be ensuing chaos and lawlessness.

The U.N. official responsible for the Middle East peace process, Tor Wennesland, reiterated these concerns, stressing the importance of a long-term political strategy to accompany efforts to end the fighting. He highlighted that the political framework established now would significantly influence future outcomes.

Wennesland further stated that deliberate and thoughtful planning is crucial, as current decisions will shape Gaza's future governance and affect the broader trajectory of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He addressed these points during a U.N. Security Council meeting on the Middle East.