Israeli Opposition Slams Netanyahu Over Gaza Onslaught

Israeli opposition leaders on Wednesday criticized a speech by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in which he vowed to continue the ongoing military offensive on the Gaza Strip.



"Talk of a diplomatic horizon and long-term calm for southern Israel residents is empty talk, as long as Netanyahu does not head for a comprehensive and final diplomatic treaty with the Palestinian unity government," Meretz chairwoman Gal-On was "ed as saying by Israeli daily Haaretz on Wednesday.



On Wednesday, Netanyahu vowed to continue attacks on the Gaza Strip until calm is restored to Israeli cities.



But opposition leader Yitzhak Herzog said that Netanyahu's speech did not provide any solutions.



"I see no promise in his words for settlement," he said.



Israel resumed its airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Tuesday after accusing Palestinian factions of firing rockets in violations of an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire.



At least 23 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on the small, densely populates strip since Tuesday.



Since hostilities began on July 7, at least 2048 Palestinians have been killed and more than 10,000 others injured in relentless Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.



According to Israeli figures, at least 67 Israelis – 64 soldiers and three civilians – have been killed.



By Anees Barghouthy



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