Israel launches massive airstrikes on downtown Gaza City, Netanyahu says: ‘We have only started’
The Israeli military has launched its most intense airstrikes yet on the Gaza Strip, targeting over 200 locations in downtown Gaza City and other areas in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that the airstrikes were aimed at “dismantling” the Hamas-controlled infrastructure in Gaza, and that the military had only just begun.
“The campaign against Hamas and other terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip is continuing with full force,” Netanyahu said. “We have only started. A great effort will lead to great achievements. The fight will continue until its aim is achieved – restoring quiet and security for the citizens of Israel for a prolonged period.”
The military said it had targeted “underground infrastructure connected to Hamas’ activities in the Gaza Strip” during the operation, along with “terrorist military camps,” that it said were used to fire rockets into Israel.
The airstrikes come amidst an ongoing and violent conflict between Israel and Hamas, with an estimated 230 Palestinians killed in the ongoing bombardment, and heavy rocket fire from Gaza in retaliation.
The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire.