Netanyahu's statements 'victory for resistance': Hamas

GAZA CITY

Palestinian faction Hamas has termed as a "victory for the Palestinian resistance" statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin in which he said he does not guarantee the success of the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip.

"This is a recognition of his defeat," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said in a brief press release on Thursday.

Speaking following a meeting with visiting British Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond on Thursday, Netanyahu said the Israeli offensive in Gaza aims to undermine tunnels in the Palestinian territory.

"We launched the ground campaign first of all to deal with the tunnels, and that is being dealt with," he said.

"There is no guarantee of 100% success, but the IDF [army] has many impressive achievements on the ground, and we are continuing," he added.

At least 745 Palestinians have been killed and more than 4500 others injured since Israel launched a military offensive in the Gaza Strip on July 7 with the stated aim of halting rocket fire.

Last week, Israel stepped up its offensive to include ground operations, sending thousands of troops into the embattled coastal enclave.

According to official Israeli figures, 32 Israelis – including 30 soldiers – have been killed since hostilities began.

Israel's operation "Protective Edge" is the self-proclaimed Jewish state's third major offensive against the densely-populated strip – home to some 1.8 million Palestinians – within the last six years.

In 2008/9, over 1500 Palestinians were killed – the vast majority of them civilians – during Israel's three-week-long "Operation Cast Lead."

By Ola Attalah

englishnews@aa.com.tr

www.aa.com.tr/en