International criticism grows as Israel says it’s prepared for long fight in Gaza

Amna Nawaz:

Israeli officials today said they're prepared for a long fight in Gaza lasting months, or longer, this as international criticism over Israel's war with Hamas grows.

Geoff Bennett:

Meantime, on the ground, the heavy fighting continues, as nearly two million Gazans await lifesaving aid.

On the border between Gaza and Southern Israel, Hamas rockets meet the Iron Dome defense system. Further north, some strikes slip through the net near Tel Aviv, as Israeli Defense Forces push their ground offensive further south. Today, the IDF released video of a mosque in Jabalia, where they say they found an explosives lab.

Man (through interpreter):

This is what is in the mosques here.

Geoff Bennett:

The IDF say they have forced Hamas to the breaking point in Northern Gaza, and they say militants in the field must surrender or be killed.

In a briefing today, the Israeli defense minister said Israel would not remain in Gaza after the war.

Yoav Gallant, Israeli Defense Minister:

Israel will take any measures in order to destroy Hamas, but we have no intention to stay permanently in the Gaza Strip. We only take care of our security and the security of our citizens alongside the border with Gaza and elsewhere.

Geoff Bennett:

Across Gaza, a widening Israeli offensive is leading to a growing humanitarian crisis. Khan Yunis in the south has become the latest battlefield with displaced Palestinians caught in the middle.

Hisham Shbeir, Displaced Palestinian (through interpreter):

The area was classified as safe. There was no announcement or declaration to leave the area.

Geoff Bennett:

In the Maghazi refugee camp, Palestinians dig out from the remnants of another airstrike.

Mohammad Barakat, Displaced Palestinian (through interpreter):

We were sitting at home quietly, and then we heard the sounds of intense bombing, and the windows blew out on top of our heads, and the doors came off their hinges. And then we left the house and saw the bombed building. We came here. And you see it. It's a massacre.

Geoff Bennett:

At the Al-Aqsa Hospital, the doctors who remain in Gaza treat survivors on the floor. Aid trickles in through the Rafah Crossing with Egypt, but it's not enough to meet the immense need. Nearly 85 percent of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been displaced within Gaza, where U.N. agencies say there is no safe place to flee.

Um Nidal Al-Khwaja, Displaced Palestinian (through interpreter):

We packed our things and moved to Khan Yunis. In Khan Yunis, we ran, left our things and stayed there for around 15 days but then the Israelis started dropping flyers telling us to go south. But where in the south are we supposed to go?

Geoff Bennett:

Tents have gone up at the border, and those in the camp face long lines for any basic necessities, leading to pleas for world leaders to take action.

Alia Nasr, Displaced Palestinian (through interpreter):

Every time the Security Council takes a decision to stop the war, the United States stands against us. They veto the decision.

We urge the United States to stand with us and end the war. Three months are enough. We are tired, very tired. Look at us with mercy for our children, our women, our elderly. Bring us back to our life.

Geoff Bennett:

As Israel's bombardment of Gaza continues, businesses are closed and streets are empty in the West Bank. Palestinians here and in Jerusalem say they have gone on strike, in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Wassem Dwikat, West Bank Resident (through interpreter):

We are ready to strike every day to stand by our people in Gaza, despite the financial conditions we are going through. We are with them with our hearts and our souls.

Geoff Bennett:

As another night falls in Gaza, the war moves on under the light of flares and rockets.