Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning that Israel's intense military campaign in Gaza is "just the beginning" of their response to the recent Hamas onslaught, which resulted in the deaths of 1,300 people. In a televised address, Netanyahu declared, "Our enemies have only just started paying the price. I cannot reveal what will happen, but I am telling you this is just the beginning."
The Prime Minister's statement comes in the wake of a series of retaliatory Israeli actions, including shelling and air raids, which have claimed the lives of around 1,800 people in the Hamas-ruled territory, according to Gaza officials.
Netanyahu also reaffirmed his commitment to the destruction of Hamas, stating, "We will never forgive, we will never let the world forget these horrors inflicted on the Jewish people. We will fight our enemies using power without limit."
The recent deadly attack initiated by Hamas last Saturday not only resulted in significant casualties but also led to the abduction of approximately 150 Israelis and foreigners, who are now being held as hostages in Gaza.
Israel has further escalated the situation by instructing Palestinians to leave Gaza City within 24 hours, a move that has raised concerns of a humanitarian disaster and prompted warnings from the United Nations.
With tens of thousands of Israeli troops amassed along the Gaza frontier, it is speculated that a ground invasion is imminent, following localised raids carried out by Israeli troops over the past 24 hours. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as fears of a prolonged and escalating conflict continue to grow.
