Israel-Hamas War News Live Updates: Russia and China veto a US-drafted UN Security Council resolution on the war between Israel and Hamas

Israel has agreed to postpone an expected invasion of Gaza for the time being so that the United States can deploy anti-missile defenses in the region to protect its forces there, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing U.S. and Israeli officials. Israel's planning also takes into account efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, as well as diplomatic efforts to free hostages held by Hamas militants, according to the report. According to the Ministry of National Security, more than 100,000 Israelis have submitted applications for weapons permits. Hamas' surprise attacks after October 7 on Gaza border communities triggered a tsunami of permit applications as the Israeli military was overwhelmed by the attacks.

Israel bombed Hamas targets as it prepared for a ground invasion, as Russia warned the conflict could spread beyond the Middle East, and as world powers failed to secure plans to deliver crucial humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.

US President Joe Biden said in his remarks that beyond the war that began with an October 7 attack on Israel by Palestinian Hamas militants, the future must include the Israeli and Palestinian states standing side by side. other.