Israel PM says new plan for Gaza ‘best way to end the war’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that his new plan to expand the war in Gaza and target the remaining Hamas strongholds there was “the best way to end the war,” defying growing calls to stop the fighting.

Defending his plan in a press conference in Jerusalem, the premier said the new operation would be implemented on “a fairly short timetable because we want to bring the war to an end.”

Netanyahu was defiant on Sunday, telling journalists: “This is the best way to end the war, and the best way to end it speedily.”

The premier said the new operation’s aim was “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.”