Israel's military campaign in Gaza could persist until the end of the year, according to statements made by Israel's National Security Adviser Zachi Hanegbi. In an interview with a television channel on Wednesday, Hanegbi suggested that the anti-Hamas operation might continue for another seven months.

Hanegbi defended the ongoing military actions in Rafah, a region he described as a "paradise for smugglers" since Hamas took control in 2007. He claimed that Hamas has been using the border area to launch rockets and explosives into Israel. Hanegbi emphasized Israel's objective to dismantle Hamas's military and administrative infrastructure.

Additionally, Hanegbi indicated that the Israeli operations would not only target Hamas but also aim to eliminate Islamic Jihad and other smaller militant organizations seeking freedom from Israeli control.

This prolonged campaign signals a continuation of the conflict and raises concerns about the humanitarian impact on Gaza's civilian population, as well as the broader implications for regional stability.