Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his plan to take control of Gaza City and target the remaining Hamas strongholds, saying Sunday it was “the best way to end the war”, despite growing calls to stop the fighting.

More than 22 months into the war, sparked by Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel, the country is gripped by a yawning divide pitting those demanding an end to the conflict and a deal for the release of the hostages against others who want to see the Palestinian militants vanquished once and for all.

Criticism has only intensified after Netanyahu’s security cabinet announced plans to expand the conflict and capture Gaza City.
Netanyahu was defiant on Sunday, telling journalists: “This is the best way to end the war, and the best way to end it speedily.”
During a press conference in Jerusalem, he said the new operation would be implemented on “a fairly short timetable”.

The operation will aim “to dismantle the two remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza City and the central camps”, while establishing secure corridors and safe zones to allow civilians to leave the area.

“Israel has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas. Now, we’ve done a great deal. We have about 70 to 75 percent of Gaza under Israeli control, military control,” he said.

“But we have two remaining strongholds, OK? These are Gaza City and the central camps in Al Mawasi.”

A Hamas spokesperson later called the prime minister’s comments a “series of lies”.