Synching deletion of photo Messages across devices

*Problem*: Synching of deleted Message attachments doesn't work and the deletion doesn't "stick". 

(1) I can delete photo attachments from Message on one device, go to Edit and "permanently" delete the Recently Deleted Messages, and the photos will return, like zombies. 

(2) The Message photos are not deleted on my other devices. 

*Attempted Remedies*:

(1) Turning synching off and on and powering off/on all devices.

(2) Deleting iMessage photos by hand on all devices and my MBAir. The photos eventually return. This problem existed with older devices and other versions of OSs. After deleting, Message on my Mac tells me "60 images in iCloud", whereas my phone says "35 images in iCloud", and the iPad says "25 images in iCloud". How can one reach these zombie messages in iCloud?

(3) Checked iCloud in the browser, but one cannot access Messages through that interface. 

*Request*:

Instructions to permanently deleted unwanted photos from all devices - through syncing, please - and not have their zombie brethren return!

*Equipment*:

iPhone (14Pro, iOS 16.6)

MacBook Air (2023, Ventura 13.5.1)

iPad Pro (iPadOS 16.6).

All are properly connected to the same iCloud account (which works fine for all other apps, like Mail and Safari).

All devices have iCloud turned on.

Thank you to anyone who has a real solution, or to Apple to fix Message.

It is always such a shame when something so basic is so problematic in an Apple product. Would this be the case if Steve were still around?