As Israel's devastating war on Gaza extends into its 20th month, international condemnation continues to mount. Yet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shows no sign of backing down — despite Hamas offering a deal,

Palestinian authorities have accused Israeli forces of opening fire on civilians in three attacks in as many days, but the IDF denies shooting civilians.

Israel has been accused of weaponising food following a blockade of Gaza that began in March. It has now lifted the restrictions but is refusing to let the UN distribute food, instead using a US company.

The war in Gaza has become one in which “the heart-rending price is being paid by children, the elderly and the sick.” Israel, along with its allies, especially including the United States, must reckon that cost as well.

As one of the five permanent U.N. Security Council members, the U.S. possesses veto power, which prevents any resolution from being approved.

The U.N. Security Council has scheduled a vote Wednesday on a resolution which demands “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties.”

Numerous attempts have been made to mend the Fatah-Hamas rivalry, including a dialogue hosted last June among Palestinian factions hosted by China, though without a breakthrough. Hamas today remains the most dominant group in Gaza, though a number of other influential factions continue to operate there.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted that his country is supporting an armed group in the Gaza Strip that opposes the militant group Hamas, following comments by a former minister that the Jewish state had transferred weapons to it.