Israel’s Netanyahu says new Gaza offensive will start soon
Israeli prime minister says his only choice is to seize Gaza City, as the UN Security Council hears new calls for ceasefire and aid
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday he expected to complete a new Gaza offensive “fairly quickly” as the UN Security Council heard new demands for an end to suffering in the Palestinian enclave.
Netanyahu, speaking after his security cabinet on Friday approved a much-criticised plan to take control of Gaza City said he had no choice but to “complete the job” and defeat Hamas to free hostages seized from Israel.
Gaza City, the enclave’s most populous centre, came under escalating Israeli air strikes late on Sunday, witnesses said. At least five people were killed at a sandwich shop in the Sabra neighbourhood, health officials at Shifa Hospital said.
The Hamas-run Gaza media office said five Al Jazeera staff died in the attack including journalists Anas Al Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh and three photojournalists. It said the fifth man was a driver and assistant.