Israel PM Netanyahu vows to 'completely eliminate’ Hamas from existence, says the war has entered a new stage

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to ‘completely eliminate’ Hamas, saying that the IDF forces have been fighting within the Gaza Strip to get rid of ’evil’ and ‘bring back’ hostages. Netanyahu said that Israeli forces had entered the second phase of the conflict in Gaza as they continued ground operations against Hamas militants in the Palestinian enclave. Amid the ongoing military actions, the people of Gaza found themselves with limited communication with the outside world, while Israeli airstrikes persisted. Israeli military leaders had previously indicated their intention to launch a ground offensive against Hamas terrorists. Netanyahu also said the Israeli Defence Forces’ (IDF) commitment to doing everything possible to secure the safe return of hostages to their families. He mentioned that he had recently met with the families of those believed to be trapped in Gaza and expressed his deep sympathy, stating that his “heart is broken.” Israel launched an expanded ground operation on Saturday after creating a near-blackout of communication in the Gaza Strip with increased bombardment and artillery fire overnight. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a war for Israel’s existence, and said “Never again is now.” Israel’s defence minister said that “the ground shook in Gaza” and that the war against the Palestinian territory’s Hamas rulers had entered a new stage. Gaza residents described the massive overnight bombardment from the sea and the air as the most intense of the 3-week-old Israel-Hamas war. Other countries, United Nations officials and aid agencies described a dire situation on the ground in Gaza as ambulances left without cellphone or radio service resorted to chasing the sound of artillery fire to local people wounded. The Palestinian death toll since the war started passed 7,700, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza. In the occupied West Bank, more than 110 Palestinians have been killed in violence and Israeli raids. More than 1,400 people were slain in Israel during a surprise incursion by Hamas militants, including at least 310 soldiers, according to the Israeli government. At least 229 hostages were taken into Gaza, and four hostages were released earlier. With inputs from AP.