Explosions lit up the night sky over Gaza late Sunday through Monday as Israel continued its military operation.

The latest Israeli military operation, which began this week, further escalates a conflict that has roiled the Middle East and likely pushes any ceasefire further out of reach.

The Israeli military, which has told Palestinians to leave, hasn’t given a timeline for the offensive, but there were indications it could take months. Israel says the operation is meant to pressure Hamas into freeing hostages and surrendering.

It comes as the U.K., Australia and Canada formally recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday, prompting an angry response from Israel, which ruled out the prospect.

Other prominent Western countries are preparing to recognize Palestinian statehood at the gathering of world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly on Monday, including France.