Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that his new plan to expand the war and take control of Gaza City was "the best way to end the war", defying growing calls to stop the fighting.

Defending his plan in a press conference in Jerusalem, the premier said the new operation would be implemented on "a fairly short timetable because we want to bring the war to an end".

More than 22 months into the war, sparked by Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel, the country is gripped by a yawning divide pitting those demanding an end to the conflict and a deal for the release of the hostages against others who want to see the Palestinian militants vanquished once and for all.

Criticism both at home and abroad has only intensified after Netanyahu's security cabinet announced plans Fri

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