Israeli army to 'maintain control' of Gaza says Israel's Netanyahu

The Israeli army will for "for as long as necessary... maintain control" of Gaza says Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu at a press conference in Tel Aviv.

Israel launched its offensive in Gaza after Hamas fighters poured across the heavily militarised border on October 7, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 240 hostages.

Vowing to destroy the militant group, Israel retaliated with bombardment and a ground campaign that the Hamas health ministry in Gaza says has killed more than 11,000 people, mostly civilians including thousands of children.