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Middle East conflict

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Israel determined to destroy Hamas, war will take time — premier

Benjamin Netanyahu said the goal of the Israeli operation would be the complete destruction of Hamas in Gaza and called on civilians to leave the enclave

TEL-AVIV, October 8. /TASS/. Israel’s military operation in the Gaza Strip against the radical Palestinian group Hamas will be lengthy and difficult, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address to the nation late on Saturday.

"I am now addressing all citizens of Israel as we all stand together in this war. This war will take time, and it will be difficult. There are tough days ahead, but I will promise you one thing: with God’s help, through a united effort and with our belief in Israel, we will win," he said.

He stressed that the Israeli operation's goal will be to completely destroy HAMAS in Gaza, and urged civilians to flee the enclave’s territory.

"The entire government supports my decision. The Israeli Defense Forces will immediately use all its power to destroy Hamas. We will retaliate for this black day for Israel with mighty vengeance," he said.

"Places where Hamas is hiding will be turned into cities of ruin. I’m telling you, I promise this will happen. I call upon the civilian population of Gaza to leave, because we will operate with full force," he said.

Early on Saturday morning, rocket attacks were launched at Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip. Alarm signals have sounded continuously since 06:28 a.m. Moscow time in many localities across the country, including the Tel Aviv area and its environs. Shortly after, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced they were launching Operation 'Iron Swords' in retaliation for the attack, coming from the Palestinian exclave. According to latest reports, the rocket attacks left at least 250 Israelis dead and around 1,500 injured.

Under these circumstances, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has approved a call-up of reservists and declared the state of ‘special situation’ within a range of 80 kilometers from the Gaza border. The state of emergency was expanded over the entire territory of Israel late on Saturday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country was "at war" and was determined to win it. "The enemy will pay an unprecedented price," he added.

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