Israel has warned that its war with Hamas will last for months amid an United Nations alarm over Israeli airstrikes killing over 100 Palestinians in two days in the war-torn Gaza strip.

There are no shortcuts in dismantling a “terrorist organisation”, Israel’s military chief Herzi Halevi said in a televised statement, adding that the war “will continue for many more months”.

“There are no magic solutions, there are no shortcuts in dismantling a terrorist organization, only determined and persistent fighting. We will reach Hamas leadership too, whether it takes a week or if it takes months,” said Halevi.

The UN last night voiced concern over the continuous Israeli airstrikes as it named an outgoing Dutch minister its humanitarian coordinator for Gaza.

“We are gravely concerned about the continued bombardment of #Gaza by Israeli forces, which has reportedly claimed over 100 Palestinian lives since Christmas Eve. Israeli forces must take all measures available to protect civilians,” the UN Human Rights office posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a Wall Street Journal op-ed on Monday, noted three prerequisites to achieve peace: “Hamas must be destroyed, Gaza must be demilitarised and Palestinian society must be deradicalised.”

Israel has been bombing Gaza since October 7 after a cross-border Hamas killed 1,200 people in border towns and around 240 were taken hostages. Around 21,000 Palestinians have died in Israel’s counteroffensive in Gaza since.

However, Israeli strikes have raised concerns over the safety of civilians.

UN estimates suggest around 1.9 million Gazans have been displaced with many having fled south. The civilians are suffering from shortages of water, food, fuel and medicine.

It is possible that the explosion near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi is an attack, Tel Aviv has said, putting out an advisory for Israelis living in India and particularly in New Delhi. The advisory asks Israelis to avoid visiting crowded places such as malls and markets, particularly areas frequented by people from the community. It also asks them to stay alert and “avoid externalizing Israeli symbols”.

“Avoid participating in events with many participants that are not secure. Avoid posting trip details on social networks and posting photos and visit details before the trip and in real time,” the advisory says.

A blast took place last evening near the Israel embassy in Chanakyapuri. Officials said nobody was injured in the incident. An “abusive” letter addressed to the Israeli ambassador was found near the site, they added.

Soon after the explosion, teams from Delhi Police crime branch, a bomb disposal squad, a dog squad and the forensic department were rushed to the spot.

The site was also examined by a team from National Investigation Agency.

Israeli embassy spokesperson Guy Nir has said the blast took place around 5.48 pm. “Delhi Police and the security team are still investigating the situation,” he said.

Deputy Chief of Mission (Israel) Ohad Nakash Kaynar said, “All our diplomats and workers are safe. Our security teams are working in full cooperation with local Delhi security and they will investigate the matter further.”

The one-page letter was reportedly sent for forensic examination to check for fingerprints.

Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta’s daughter, Ira Khan, is gearing up to marry her long-time boyfriend, Nupur Shikhare next month. Recently, she shared glimpses of their early wedding celebrations, including the Maharashtrian Kelvan, offering a peek into the festivities.

Reportedly set for January 3, the wedding preparations at the Khan-Shikhare household are in full swing. Ira’s friend, actor Mithila Palkar, also shared snapshots from the celebrations. Aamir Khan’s ex-wife, Kiran Rao, and their son, Azad Rao Khan, were present too.

In one Instagram story, Ira showcased her family relishing a traditional Maharashtrian meal on banana leaves. Excitedly, she exclaimed, “My God, guys, get married to a Maharashtrian and experience a Kelvan. How fun is this?”

Other pictures captured jovial moments between Ira, Nupur, and Mithila. Mithila, in her Instagram story, wrote, “The wedding festivities have begun!” and later added, “Let’s get you guys married!” Ira opted for a maroon saree with a sequined blouse, while Nupur sported a kurta-pyjama ensemble paired with a turban. Mithila opted for a salwar suit with a lime-yellow dupatta.

Though Aamir Khan was absent from Tuesday’s celebrations, he recently expressed his sentiments about Ira’s wedding. In an interview, he shared, “Main toh bada emotional hota hoon bhai, uss din main bahut rone waala hoon yeh toh tay hai. Discussions have already begun in the family that ‘Aamir ko sambaalna uss din’ because I am very emotional. I can’t control my smile nor my tears.”