'No choice' but to keep on fighting, insists Netanyahu

ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel has "no choice" but to continue fighting in Gaza and will not end the war before destroying Hamas, freeing the hostages and ensuring that the territory will not present a threat to Israel.

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The prime minister also repeated his vow to make sure Iran never gets a nuclear weapon.

Mr Netanyahu is under growing pressure at home not only from families of hostages and their supporters, but also from reservist and retired Israeli soldiers, who question the continuation of the war after Israel shattered a ceasefire last month.

In his statement, he said Hamas has rejected Israel's latest proposal to free half the hostages in return for another temporary truce.

Hamas has said it will only free the remaining hostages in return for an Israeli withdrawal and a lasting ceasefire, as called for in the agreement that Israel ended.

Israeli strikes, meanwhile, killed more than 90 people in 48 hours, Gaza's health ministry said on Saturday. Israeli troops have been increasing their attacks to pressure Hamas to release the hostages and disarm.