Netanyahu says war to continue 'until we achieve all its aims'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday the war against Hamas in the Gaza would continue "until we achieve all its aims", including returning all Israeli hostages.

In his first press conference since the expiry of a seven-day pause in the fighting with Hamas, he said "Israeli soldiers prepared during the days of truce for total victory against Hamas." Israel and Hamas brushed off international calls to renew an expired truce Saturday as air strikes pounded militant targets in Gaza and Palestinian groups launched volleys of rockets.