Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has categorically rejected a ceasefire in a war against Hamas, as ground forces pushed into Gaza and freed one hostage.
“Calls for a ceasefire are calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas, to surrender to terrorism,” Netanyahu said, slapping aside demands from UN agencies for a truce.
“This will not happen,” the premier told foreign media, vowing Israel would “fight until this battle is won”.
The military has released images of Israeli mechanised infantry grinding through the coastal sands of northern Gaza, while witnesses on Monday reported tanks on the outskirts of Gaza City.
The release of Private Ori Megidish was “secured during a ground operation” inside Gaza, the army said, adding she was in Israel, reunited with family and was “doing well”.
Israeli tanks advanced into the outskirts of Gaza City on Monday, according to eyewitnesses. The Israeli military has escalated its offensive against Hamas, claiming to have targeted over 600 locations in the past 24 hours, a significant increase from the previous day’s count of 450. Hamas also reported “intense clashes” in northern Gaza.
Palestinian Territories, Gaza Strip: Hamas declared that it was “heavy fighting” with Israeli troops inside northern Gaza, as beleaguered inhabitants were once more issued warnings to evacuate south.
Israel has announced a new “stage” in a war that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned would be “long and difficult” following weeks of fierce airstrikes.
The Israeli military made footage public late on Sunday that appeared to show a sizable contingent of artillery, infantry, and tanks operating in Palestinian territory.
More than “450 terror targets, including operational command centers, observation posts, and anti-tank missile launch posts,” were allegedly hit by the military.
According to Hamas, the Israeli occupation forces and its Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades are currently “engaged in heavy fighting.”
Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Lapid predicted a door-to-door urban war.
