US Secretary of State Advocates Gaza's Unification with West Bank as Israelis Fear Bloodiest Weeks of Conflict to Come

Rising Death Toll Amid Refugee Crisis, Gaza City as Primary Target, and Lack of Clear Israel Strategy Revealed as US Pushes for Gaza-West Bank Unity Post-War Despite Potential Regional Repercussions.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken advocates for the unification of Gaza with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority once the war ends, in what is seen as the strongest signal yet of the Biden administration's plans for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel's attack strategy on Gaza, the primary target and stronghold of Hamas, is unclear. They have expressed the intent to disband Hamas's political leadership and military capabilities, and their plan includes retaining security control of Gaza indefinitely.
The death toll has risen drastically with roughly 1,400 Israelis and over 10,000 Palestinians in Gaza killed according to Hamas-run health authorities in Gaza. There is fear that the next few weeks could see the bloodiest weeks of the conflict.
There is a high level of fear and grief amongst Israelis and Palestinians. The Oct. 7 attack has been labeled the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust and has greatly impacted public opinion, creating mistrust and anger towards government and security services in Israel.
Hamas's attack in October was aimed to initiate sustained conflict that would end any pretense of coexistence among Israel, Gaza and their neighboring countries. A vast amount of damage has been inflicted on buildings in northern Gaza.