Saturday proved to be the deadliest for the Israeli army as 14 Israeli soldiers were killed in clashes with Hamas mujahedeen, bringing their total death toll to 153.

However, Netanyahu showed boldness and stubbornness, saying that the Israeli forces have no choice but to continue the war and that the fight will continue with full force until the end of Hamas.

More than 20,000 Palestinians have been martyred; most of them women and children, and 24,000 have been injured in the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza since October 7.

"Saturday was one of the most difficult days of fighting in Gaza, followed by a very difficult Sunday morning, and I want to say frankly that it will be a long war," Netanyahu said while briefing the cabinet. .

In response to a question, Netanyahu denied reports that US President Joe Biden had requested Israel to halt military operations.