Hamas: Netanyahu's statements reflect his defeat

The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) said on Monday that statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reflect his defeat, and that it will not scare Hamas or the Palestinians.

In a written statement quoted by Anadolu, Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri said that Israeli occupation forces “will pay the price of killing children and civilians.”

In a press conference with his defence minister and army chief of staff, Netanyahu has warned Hamas of a “long battle”, and confirmed that Operation Protective Edge would continue until the disarmament of Hamas and destruction of tunnels.

On Monday, the first day of the Muslim Eid ul-Fitr feast, Israeli forces killed 10 Palestinian children and injured 45 others, raising the Palestinian death toll to 1,058, in addition to 6,280 injured, according to figures from the Ministry of Health.

Israel says 48 of its soldiers as well as three civilians have been killed since the start of the operation on July 7, while the military wing of Hamas says it has killed 103 Israeli soldiers and holds one as hostage.