Israeli counteroffensive against Hamas ‘just getting started’: Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that the counteroffensive against Hamas militants was “just getting started” and pledged to “defeat them forcefully.”

Netanyahu spoke to leaders of border towns and cities near Gaza on Monday and praised their leadership after Hamas militants killed and abducted hundreds of Israeli civilians in an attack that began Saturday.

“We are in the midst of a campaign. I know that you have undergone a difficult and terrible ordeal. What Hamas will experience will be difficult and terrible,” Netanyahu told local officials. “We are already in the campaign, and we are just getting started. Your leadership has been very strong in these difficult days.” 

“The state will leave no stone unturned to help all of you. I ask that you stand steadfast because we are going to change the Middle East. I embrace you and the residents. We are all with you and we will defeat them forcefully,” Netanyahu added, according to a press release. 

Netanyahu’s comments come as Israel’s death toll surpassed 700, a number that is expected to grow. The New York Times, citing authorities in Gaza, reported that at least 560 Palestinians have been killed as Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on Gaza since the attack.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) called upon about 300,000 reservists as Israel prepared for the next steps. On Monday, Israel and Hamas have exchanged missile fire, with Israel hitting more than 1,000 targets in Gaza. Hamas aimed missiles at Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, causing residents to seek shelter as air raid sirens sounded.

This story was updated at 12 p.m. EDT