Sullivan: Precise Targeting of Hamas Leaders Marks New Phase in Gaza War

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated during his visit to Israel on Friday that the war in Gaza is set to enter a new phase focused on the precise targeting of Hamas leadership and operations based on intelligence information. Israel is facing increasing global pressure to minimize civilian casualties in its campaign, which has resulted in the deaths of nearly 19,000 Palestinian civilians since the Hamas attack that killed around 1,200 in southern Israel on October 7. Sullivan mentioned that achieving Israel's objectives in the war will take months, but fighting will continue in phases, shifting from the current campaign based on intense bombing and ground operations. The White House adviser, who is scheduled to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas later on Friday, did not provide details on the timing of the shift in the pace of the war. He stated in a press conference, "Naturally, the conditions and timing of that were part of the discussions I had with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the war cabinet, Israeli military leaders, and the Defense Minister." Sullivan declined to answer when asked whether the U.S. would freeze military aid if the war did not move to a less intense phase with fewer civilian casualties, stating that the best way to reach an agreement is through discussions behind closed doors.