Israel expects to continue large-scale combat operations in the Gaza Strip for another 6 to 8 weeks, as part of its preparations to launch a ground attack in Rafah. Former Israeli intelligence official and negotiator in the first and second Palestinian intifadas, Avi Melamed, said that there is a small chance that the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will respond to international criticism to cancel the ground attack.
Hamas reported that the "victory" promised by Netanyahu would not be possible, stressing that it was prepared for a long war.