Israel's Netanyahu says Gaza war will last 'many months'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel's war against Hamas will last "many months" as he renewed his pledge to eliminate the Hamas militant group from Gaza. Vowing to bring home all Israelis still held hostage in Gaza, Netanyahu said the military was involved in a "complex fight" and needed time to achieve its goals.

He said that around 8,000 militants had already been killed in Israel's military campaign in the Palestinian territory. The number of Palestinian deaths due to Israel's attacks on Gaza has risen to 21,507 people, mostly women and children. International mediators continue in their efforts to secure a new pause in fighting.