Netanyahu: Gaza offensive will last many months

By Nathan Morley

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned his country’s offensive in Gaza will last many months.

In a televised press conference, Mr. Netanyahu has again pledged to eliminate Hamas and bring all hostages home.

Over the last few days, the Israeli army has struck targets across Gaza and – in their own words – eliminated dozens of ‘terror operatives’.

At the same time, fierce barrages of tank fire and air strikes continue in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. 

The city is seen as a stronghold of Hamas, and reports suggest the Israeli military is pushing further into the eastern outskirts.

Palestinians at the site of a destoyed family house during an Israeli operation in Khan Younis

On Saturday, an Israeli spokesperson said forces had attacked several targets, including tunnel openings, tunnel routes and sites for launching anti-tank missiles. Troops unearthed dozens of tunnel openings in Khan Younis and discovered ordinance, including hand grenades, rocket launchers, and mortar shells.

Humanitarian emergency

As civilians continue to flee the violence, there are increased reports of diseases spreading across the population. Worse still, food shortages remain acute.

Authorities in Gaza raised the number of Palestinian casualties to 21,507 and injuries to 55,915 since the conflict erupted.

Elsewhere, Israel launched a missile attack near Aleppo airport in northern Syria on Saturday. Israel has recently intensified its attacks on Syrian targets in tandem with its military drive in the Gaza Strip.