NETANYAHU STANDS BY HIS MISSION TO DESTROY GAZA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was determined to continue his country's military operation in Gaza, despite a push from Washington earlier on Wednesday calling for a de-escalation in the conflict, now in its ninth day, Sara Lemel and Sebastian Engel reported for Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa).

Netanyahu tweeted that the goal of the military operation in Gaza is to provide security and tranquility for Israel's citizens. The comments came following a phone call with US President Joe Biden, who told Netanyahu that he "expected a significant de-escalation."

The call also implies that the White House may use other means to pressure Netanyahu to stop his bloody attacks on Gaza, with critics claiming the Israeli has been guided by his delusion that he is the “savior” of the 14-million Jewish people worldwide.

Netanyahu did not directly address Biden's call, but thanked the US president for supporting Israel's right to defend itself.

The exchange followed denials by Israel and the Hamas movement in Gaza that a ceasefire was in the works, amid pressure on the two sides to end their fighting.

Izzat al-Rishak, a high-ranking member of Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, said on Wednesday that there had been no agreement on a ceasefire with Israel.

Some 219 people have been killed in Gaza, a quarter of them minors, the Gaza Health Ministry said. Israel says it has killed at least 160 militants and is trying to avoid civilian casualties, but Hamas and other militant groups said Israel is targeting civilians. So far, 12 people have died in Israel from rocket attacks.

Israeli television had earlier reported on the potential for an internationally mediated ceasefire to go into effect from 6 am (0300 GMT or 11 a.m. in Manila) on Thursday. Officials later denied the prospect of a cessation of hostilities, according to later reports.

Earlier, Netanyahu said the goal of the Israeli assault against Hamas militants was "to maximize the period of quiet and calm that Israel can gain against this foe." He added: "There are only two ways that you can deal with them: You can either conquer them - and that's always an open possibility - or you can deter them. And we are engaged now in forceful deterrence, but I have to say, we don't rule out anything."

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