“In Gaza, towers are falling, factories are collapsing, tunnels are being wiped out and commanders are being assassinated. The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will continue to strike and bring complete silence for the long term,” he told media in the southern city, which has been hard-hit by rockets fired from Gaza.In a speech on Wednesday in the coastal city of Ashkelon, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz promised to continue taking the fight to Hamas and other Palestinian forces before any truce is reached.

Gantz said that the current operation has no end date and that the IDF would carry out its duty. “We will not accept rebuke from any organization or institution about our right and duty to protect the citizens of Israel.”