As Israeli ground troops entered Gaza under cover of a massive air and artillery barrage on Friday evening, opening a new phase in Israel's campaign, the United States will again face off with rivals Russia and China in the United Nations Security Council, or UNSC, today.

This, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early Sunday (Manila time) that Israel's war on Hamas would be "long and difficult."

The Israel Defense Forces, or IDF, expanded ground operations inside the besieged Gaza Strip.

"The war in the (Gaza) Strip will be long and difficult, and we are prepared for it," Netanyahu told a news conference after meeting families of hostages held in Gaza since shock Hamas attacks on southern Israel on 7 October.

"This is the second stage of a war whose goals are clear: Destroy the military and leadership capabilities of Hamas and bring the hostages back home," Netanyahu said. "We decided to expand ground operations unanimously."

The UNSC plans to meet to discuss the war between Israel and Hamas, a report, citing unnamed diplomats and without elaborating, said.

On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, which made no mention of Hamas, by an overwhelming majority, drawing praise from the Islamist terror group and condemnation from Israel.

Nonbinding

The resolution called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all civilians, the protection of civilians and international institutions, and ensuring the safe passage of humanitarian aid into the Strip.

The initiative highlighted the overwhelming international support for the Palestinians amid Israel's military campaign in response to the 7 October Hamas onslaught.

Israel has rejected calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying that it is committed to toppling Hamas to prevent another mass assault like the one that took place three weeks ago.