Netanyahu "prepared" to step up Gaza offensive
- 11 years ago
Another explosion rocks the Gaza Strip.
The latest blast is part of a five-day offensive by Israel that has battered the enclave and killed more than 51 people - about half of them civilians.
That's according to Palestinian officials.
Now, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is prepared to step up the attacks, aimed at the militant group Hamas - which runs Gaza.
(SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER, BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, SAYING:
"We are exacting a heavy price from Hamas and the terrorist organisations and the Israel Defence Forces are prepared for a significant expansion of the operation."
While air strikes continue, Israel's Cabinet has authorized the mobilization of up to 75,000 reservists in preparation for a possible ground invasion.
Officials say the offensive is in response to attacks by Hamas militants, who have fired more than 500 rockets into Israel, killing three people.
The latest blast is part of a five-day offensive by Israel that has battered the enclave and killed more than 51 people - about half of them civilians.
That's according to Palestinian officials.
Now, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is prepared to step up the attacks, aimed at the militant group Hamas - which runs Gaza.
(SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER, BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, SAYING:
"We are exacting a heavy price from Hamas and the terrorist organisations and the Israel Defence Forces are prepared for a significant expansion of the operation."
While air strikes continue, Israel's Cabinet has authorized the mobilization of up to 75,000 reservists in preparation for a possible ground invasion.
Officials say the offensive is in response to attacks by Hamas militants, who have fired more than 500 rockets into Israel, killing three people.