The chances of a long-lasting truce remain low as the Israeli government’s desire for an offensive remains “very strong”, says analyst Mahjoob Zweiri.

“They have set very high goals for this war. They are trying to destroy the social fabric and infrastructure of Gaza,” the director of the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University told Al Jazeera.

“Israel is looking at social connections of Hamas on the ground and if there is someone who is affiliated with them, they will destroy his house. That is the reason why we see the number of casualties is increasing rapidly.”