It seems that Israel-Hamas war is not going to end soon. As the Israel-Hamas war entered its 332nd day on September 2, the conflict showed no signs of resolution. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued its intensive operations in Gaza, aiming to free Israeli hostages. Tragedy struck as six Israeli hostages, abducted alive on October 7, were found dead in a southern Gaza tunnel. The hostages were murdered between August 29-30, according to the Israeli Health Ministry. Global leaders expressed their shock and grief, with US President Biden condemning the killings, French President Macron demanding an immediate ceasefire and hostage release, and Australian PM Anthony Albanese and UK PM Keir Starmer also offering condolences. Currently, 97 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas remain in Gaza, with some released during a brief truce in late November and a few prior to that.

On Sunday, Hezbollah retaliated against Israel with a large-scale assault, launching hundreds of rockets and drones. This attack was in response to the recent killing of Fuad Shukr, a high-ranking Hezbollah commander, in Beirut. The group claimed responsibility for firing over 320 Katyusha rockets, targeting 11 military sites in Israel. In preparation for this offensive, Israeli jets struck targets in Lebanon, as military officials anticipated the imminent barrage. Hezbollah described the rocket fire as the "first phase" of their retaliation, suggesting that their full response would unfold over a longer period. As tensions escalated, Israel's cabinet convened to deliberate on their strategic response to the ongoing conflict.