Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to “demolish” Hamas after convening an emergency cabinet meeting on a looming ground invasion in Gaza.
Mr Netanyahu’s office released footage showing ministers in Tel Aviv giving a minute’s silence in tribute to the 1,300 Israelis killed after a surprise attack by Hamas last Saturday.
“Hamas thought we would be demolished. It is we who will demolish Hamas,” Mr Netanyahu said, adding that the show of unity “sends a clear message to the nation, the enemy and the world”.
It came as British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly warned Hamas wants to turn the conflict into a “war between the Muslim world and the wider world”. Speaking to Sky News, he said “it’s in Israel’s interest to avoid civilian casualties and Palestinian casualties”.
It is estimated some 300,000 troops have massed on the border ready to push into Gaza which has suffered more than 2,300 fatalities, local authorities have said.
Up to 10,000 people have also been wounded, with UN Agency for Palestine Refugees director of communications Juliette Touma telling the BBC: “This is the worst we’ve ever seen, This is hitting rock bottom. This is Gaza being pushed into an abyss, there is tragedy unfolding as the world is watching.”
