Netanyahu Vows to Continue War on Hamas in Gaza Despite International Calls for Cease-Fire

Israel is continuing its war on Hamas in Gaza despite international calls for a cease-fire, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday. Netanyahu thanked the Biden administration for its continued backing, including approval for a new emergency weapons sale, the second this month, and prevention of a United Nations Security Council resolution seeking an immediate cease-fire.

The conflict has resulted in mounting civilian deaths, hunger and mass displacement in the besieged enclave. Netanyahu said the war will continue for “many more months” and argued that ending the war now would mean victory for Hamas. The Biden administration has echoed this sentiment, while also urging Israel to do more to avoid harm to Palestinian civilians.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas began on May 10, when Hamas launched a barrage of rockets at Jerusalem in response to Israeli police clashes with Palestinians near the city’s Al-Aqsa Mosque. Since then, Israel has launched a series of air strikes and artillery barrages on the Gaza Strip, while Hamas has fired rockets into Israel.

The fighting has killed more than 230 people in Gaza, including 65 children, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. In Israel, 12 people have been killed, including two children.

The United Nations has called for an immediate cease-fire, but Netanyahu has said that Israel will continue its war on Hamas for “many more months.” The Biden administration has backed Israel’s stance and has approved a new emergency weapons sale, the second this month, and prevented a U.N. Security Council resolution seeking an immediate cease-fire.