Author: AP
Publication: The Hindu
Date: August 1, 2014
URL: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/mission-is-to-destroy-hamas-tunnels-israel/article6270142.ece

Introduction: Military calls up 16,000 reservists to pursue its campaign in Gaza

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel will destroy Hamas’ tunnel network in the Gaza Strip designed for deadly attacks inside Israel, “with or without a ceasefire,” as the military called up another 16,000 reservists to pursue its campaign against Palestinian militants in the densely-populated territory.

Mr. Netanyahu’s warning came as international efforts to end the 23-day-old conflict seemed to sputter despite concern over the mounting death toll. More than 1,422 Palestinians have been killed so far, including many civilians, according to Gaza health officials.

“We have neutralised dozens of terror tunnels and we are committed to complete this mission, with or without a ceasefire,” Mr. Netanyahu said. “Therefore, I will not agree to any offer that does not allow the military to complete this important mission for the security of the people of Israel.”

Israel expanded what started July 8 as an aerial campaign against Hamas and widened it into a ground offensive on July 17. Since then, Israel says the campaign has concentrated on destroying cross-border tunnels militants constructed to carry out attacks inside Israeli territory and ending rocket attacks on its cities.

Israel says most of the 32 tunnels it uncovered have now been demolished and that getting rid of the remainder will take no more than a few days. Israeli attacks continued on Thursday, killing 43 people in the strip.