Netanyahu Asserts Israel's Security Control in Gaza Must Continue

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel must retain control of security in Gaza even after the war against Hamas ends. The death toll in Gaza since the war broke out two months ago has risen to 16,248 Palestinians, with over 42,000 wounded. The United Nations reported limited humanitarian aid and a shutdown of telecom services in Gaza due to intense hostilities. Netanyahu accused international human rights groups of ignoring rapes committed by Hamas militants during their cross-border attack. The United States pledged an additional $21 million in humanitarian assistance for Gaza, and a second aid flight was organized. Israeli shelling in south Lebanon killed one soldier, and Qatar's ruler accused Israel of committing "crimes of genocide" in Gaza. France froze the assets of Hamas leader Yehya Sinwar in Gaza.