During the visit of Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, Israeli officials publicly emphasised that they would carry on the offensive until they achieve their stated aim of eradicating Hamas.

According to Reuters, Netanyahu told Sullivan on Thursday Israel would fight “until absolute victory”. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said the fighting would “last more than several months”.

Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy said Israel was winning the battle and degrading Hamas, citing as evidence a reduction in the number of rockets fired into Israel.

But hours later there were sirens in Jerusalem and explosions overhead from at least three interceptions by Israel’s Iron Dome air defences, for the first time in weeks. The armed wing of Hamas claimed responsibility for the rocket attack in response to “Zionist massacres against civilians”.