JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that his new plan to expand the war in Gaza and target the remaining Hamas strongholds there was “the best way to end the war,” defying growing calls to stop the fighting.

The prime minister and his far-right colleagues have faced intense backlash for such a plan, which would be a major escalation in the 22-month offensive.

The Israeli PM says he seeks full control of Gaza, removing Hamas and then transferring the governance to another party.