Netanyahu confirms start of large-scale Gaza offensive

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the launch of a large-scale offensive on Gaza City aimed at defeating the Hamas movement, Ynet reported.

"We have launched an intensive operation in Gaza," Netanyahu said.

Ahead of his testimony in a corruption trial, the PM noted his heavy schedule under the current circumstances and asked that routine court hearings involving him be postponed, Ynet reported.

Earlier, Israel launched a large-scale offensive operation in the Palestinian enclave with the aim of completely defeating the Hamas radicals there. The army's offensive plans were approved by Netanyahu in late August.