Netanyahu defends fresh military offensive in Gaza Strip

Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday defended a new military offensive in Gaza that is more sweeping than previously announced, declaring in the face of growing condemnation at home and abroad that Israel “has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas.” Even as more Israelis express concern over the 22-month war, Netanyahu said the security Cabinet last week instructed the dismantling of Hamas strongholds not only in Gaza City but also in the “central camps” and Muwasi, the Associated Press reported.

A source familiar with the operation, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to the media, confirmed that Israel plans to do so in both areas.

The camps — sheltering well over half a million displaced people, according to the UN — had not been part of Israel's announcement on Friday. It was not clear why, though Netanyahu faced criticism this weekend within his ruling coalition that targeting Gaza City was not enough. Netanyahu said there would be “safe zones," but such designated areas have been bombed in the past.

Late on Sunday, heavy bombardment was reported in Gaza City. Shortly before midnight local time, broadcaster Al Jazeera said correspondent Anas al-Sharif was killed in a strike. Rami Mohanna, administrative director at the nearby Shifa Hospital, said the strike hit a tent for Al Jazeera journalists outside the hospital's walls.

The attack was on a site near the main gate of al-Shifa hospital, and the site is known for medical personnel stationed there.

The killed journalists include Anas Al Sharif, whom Israel accused of leading a Hamas cell responsible for orchestrating rocket attacks on Israel. Sharif was killed moments after he posted a video of intense bombardment from Gaza City, according to reports.