Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rebuffed U.S. President Joe Biden’s call for “a significant de-escalation” in Israel’s bombardment of Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip leading to a cease-fire in the 10 days of hostilities.
Instead, Netanyahu said in a statement he is “determined to continue this operation until its aim is met.”
Israeli Airstrikes Pummel Gaza as Violence Enters 2nd Week Since fighting began on May 10, at least 197 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 58 children and 34 women; at least 10 Israelis have been killed including a six-year-old
Netanyahu said he “greatly appreciates the support of the American president,” but that Israel will push ahead “to return the calm and security to you, citizens of Israel.”
By late Wednesday, the death toll stood at 227 in Gaza, including 64 children, according to local health officials there, and 12 in Israel, according to its authorities.
