Just the beginning, warns Netanyahu; Israel to continue airstrikes until Hamas is destroyed

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a warning to Hamas following the airstrikes carried out in Gaza in violation of the ceasefire agreement. "This is just the beginning. We will continue with the attacks until Hamas is destroyed and all the hostages held are released," he warned. "In the meantime, all ceasefire negotiations will take place. The previous releases proved that military pressure is a necessary condition for freeing hostages," Netanyahu said.

404 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Monday night and Tuesday after the 42-day ceasefire ended. 562 people were injured. Most of the dead were children. Hamas accused the attack of violating the ceasefire, which was agreed to be implemented in three phases. Hamas accused Israel of endangering mediation efforts to end the war.

• More than 400 people were killed in the most intense Israeli offensive since the ceasefire

• The death toll so far stands at 413

• Many are trapped under the rubble

• Netanyahu's office had earlier said that the operation was ordered after Hamas repeatedly refused to release the hostages

Massive protests in Israel

A massive public protest in Israel against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has resumed the offensive. Tens of thousands of people gathered outside the Knesset, the Israeli parliament located in Jerusalem. The protest was carried out with banners with the writing 'For the future of Israel or for the future of your coalition government.'

The decision to fire Ronen Bar, the head of Israel's internal security force, Shin Bet, also caused public anger. Protesters also marched to Netanyahu's private residence.