Israel says operation against Hamas could last months as heavy fighting reported across Gaza

Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant says next phase of the war would see low-intensity fighting against ‘pockets of resistance’

Heavy fighting was reported across Gaza late into the evening on Monday, as Israel’s defence minister pushed back against international calls to wrap up the country’s military offensive in the territory, saying the current phase of the operation against Hamas would “take time”.

Yoav Gallant told the Associated Press the current phase of the conflict, characterised by heavy ground fighting backed up by air power, could stretch on for weeks and that further military activity could continue for months.