Updated satellite imagery on Google Maps of the devastated region, drone shots of dystopian aid checkpoints, and military maps of so-called “safe zones” make it increasingly hard to argue that Israel’s military “operation” (to use a sanitizing word the media is incredibly fond of) is about eradicating Hamas.

Less than two years after the Hamas October 7 terror attack on Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu has lost Europe.

Italy has been a vocal supporter of Israel but there has been growing unease within the right-wing coalition government over the relentless and long-running military campaign.

Israel stepped up its military offensive in Gaza, ignited by an attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, 2023, earlier this month, while mediators push for a ceasefire that remains elusive.