Israel's goal in Gaza is not to occupy the devastated Palestinian enclave but to "free it from Hamas terrorists," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said Sunday as he defended the plan to escalate its offensive, which has come under staunch international opposition, including from allies.

"Our goal is not to occupy Gaza, our goal is to free Gaza, free it from Hamas terrorists," Netanyahu said, speaking in English during a press conference. "The war can end tomorrow if Hamas lays down its arms and releases all the remaining hostages."

Israel's security cabinet overnight Thursday approved the plan to take control of Gaza. The Israeli military controls about 75% of the enclave, with Gaza City and the Central Camps and Moasi being the two remaining areas that Netanyahu described as

See Full Page