Israel is facing growing condemnation the prime minister describes as a "global campaign of lies," amid new plans to escalate the violence in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his plan for a final sweep against Hamas strongholds in Gaza in the face of intense condemnation both at home and abroad, describing it as the best possibility for ending the war speedily and recovering the hostages alive.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel “has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas”. He was speaking to foreign media in Jerusalem and defending a planned military offensive. He asserted that “our goal is not to occupy Gaza, our goal is to free Gaza”.