CAIRO/JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed his commitment to continue the military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, despite ongoing ceasefire talks and concerns about the looming famine in the region. He expressed his determination to push into Rafah, Gaza's last relatively safe area, despite international pressure to minimize civilian casualties.

In Washington, during a St. Patrick's Day event at the White House with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, US President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and achieving a ceasefire agreement to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. He also reiterated support for a two-state solution as the path to lasting peace.

Varadkar echoed the urgent need for aid in Gaza, stressing the necessity to halt hostilities from both sides and allow humanitarian relief to flow freely. He urged Israel to reconsider its decision to authorize a land incursion into Rafah.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also emphasized the need for comprehensive humanitarian aid to Gaza, echoing calls from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was visiting Egypt at the time, for a ceasefire deal and increased aid.

Netanyahu, however, reminded his allies of past attacks by Hamas, accusing them of forgetting the dangers Israel faces. He denounced the idea of a Palestinian state, arguing it would reward terrorism.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life and displacement in Gaza, with aid agencies warning of famine. Despite ongoing negotiations facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, Netanyahu has dismissed Hamas' latest ceasefire proposal as unrealistic. However, there's optimism for progress, with Hamas showing flexibility in its demands.

Meanwhile, aid trucks have reached northern Gaza, providing essential supplies to areas deprived of aid for months. However, reports also indicate an escalation in Israeli airstrikes and ground operations, raising concerns about further civilian casualties.

Despite the challenges, efforts to deliver aid and negotiate a ceasefire continue, with hopes for a resolution to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict.