Benjamin Netanyahu says every Hamas member is a ‘dead man’: Israeli PM vows to ‘crush and destroy’ militants he says have beheaded soldiers and raped women
Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to “crush and destroy” Hamas, warning that every member of the terrorist organization is a “dead man.”
The grim message came after Israel’s prime minister accused Palestinian militants of beheading soldiers and raping women.
The televised address was delivered late at night as the fifth day of the war drew to a close.
His claims about the beheadings had not been independently confirmed, but rescuers and witnesses had described gruesome scenes.
Israel has continued its bombardment of the Gaza Strip, with residents of the enclave facing increasing uncertainty after the area’s only power plant was closed earlier today.
The country’s blockade has blocked the flow of fuel, food, water and medicine into the Palestinian territory, leaving Gaza’s 2.3 million residents without electricity, internet or running water.
Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel will “crush and destroy” Hamas and that every member of the terrorist organization is a “dead man.”
Israel has continued its bombardment of the Gaza Strip, with residents of the enclave facing increasing uncertainty after the area’s only power plant was closed. Pictured: Smoke rising from buildings in Gaza after an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday
Israel’s Iron Dome intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip on Wednesday evening
Palestinian militants fired rockets into Israel from Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on Wednesday
According to the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency, 260,000 people are believed to have been driven from Gaza by the Israeli bombardment.
Netanyahu’s comments come as Joe Biden called Saturday’s Hamas attack on Israel “the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.”
However, the US president said he had spoken to Netanyahu and made it clear that Israel “must operate according to the rules of war.”
The deadly war has already claimed more than 2,300 lives on both sides, while thousands more have been injured.
The Israeli military has said more than 1,200 people, including 189 soldiers, have been killed since Saturday’s surprise attack, while Gaza’s Health Ministry says 1,100 have been killed and more than 5,300 injured.
Earlier today, Netanyahu joined forces in an unprecedented move with key opposition party members, including Benny Gantz, who said “it is time for war.”
