Netanyahu rules out ceasefire, says no plans to occupy Gaza

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruled out a ceasefire in Gaza on Thursday, saying the military was performing “exceptionally well,” but insisted Israel does not plan to reoccupy the Palestinian territory.

“A ceasefire with Hamas means surrender,” he told Fox News, adding there was no “timetable” for the military offensive.

“I think the Israeli army is performing exceptionally well,” he added.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas after the militant group poured across the border from Gaza on October 7, killing 1,400 people, mostly civilians and taking around 240 people hostage, according to Israel.

Here are the latest updates

At least 10,812 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. In Israel, the death toll stands at more than 1,400.
Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip continues as its ground forces push deeper into urban areas across the north of the enclave.
Human Rights Watch says thousands of patients and displaced Palestinians sheltering at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City face “grave risks”.
Palestinian Health Ministry spokesman in Gaza says Israeli strike hit yard of al-Shifa medical complex.
Israeli army conducts more nightly raids across the occupied West Bank after one of the deadliest incursions since the Gaza war began.
White House says Israel has agreed to a daily four-hour pause in fighting to allow Palestinians to leave northern Gaza.