Benjamin Netanyahu rejects calls for ceasefire as battle continues with ‘full force’

A ceasefire would be possible only if all 239 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are released, the Israeli Prime Minister said in a televised address

Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for a ceasefire (Abir Sultan/AP)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected growing international calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying Israel’s battle to crush Hamas militants will continue with “full force”.

A ceasefire would be possible only if all 239 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are released, he said in a televised address.