Netanyahu: 'Though Israel did not start this war but will finish it'

In a stern warning to Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said that "though Israel did not start this war" but "will finish it", Report informs, citing NDTV.

As part of its retaliation against Hamas, Israel has mobilized 300,000 troops. This is the largest mobilization since the 1973 Yom Kippur War when Israel called up 400,000 reservists, The Times of Israel reported.

"Israel is at war. We didn't want this war. It was forced upon us in the most brutal and savage way. But though Israel didn't start this war, Israel will finish it," said Mr Netanyahu in an address to the nation.

He called on the "forces of civilization" to unite against Hamas and defeat it.

He further asserted that Israel is fighting Hamas not just for its own people, but for every country that stands against barbarism. "Israel will win this war, and when Israel wins, the entire civilized world wins," he added.

The Israeli military is going on the offense against Hamas with a force "like never before," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Monday.