JERUSALEM (AP) – Asserting it has broad international support for a fierce military offensive in the Gaza Strip, Israel is showing no signs of ending the operation, vowing to press on until there is a halt to rocket attacks from the seaside territory.
But a mounting Palestinian civilian death toll is beginning to draw international criticism and could quickly put the brakes on the campaign.
Israeli officials say they are pleased with the results of the four-day operation so far. Military officials say the round-the-clock airstrikes have hit Hamas hard, taking out the militant group’s command centers, rocket-launchers and storage sites, and knocking out much of its long-range rocket arsenal.
A greater threat – and gamble for the Israelis – would be sending ground troops into Gaza.
Addressing a nationally televised news conference Friday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the offensive was progressing well and brushed off a question about a possible cease-fire, suggesting the campaign will continue for some time. He also refused to rule out a ground offensive.