Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended his plan to take control of Gaza City and target the remaining Hamas strongholds, saying it was “the best way to end the war”, despite growing calls to stop the fighting, AFP reports.

Netanyahu was defiant, telling journalists: “This is the best way to end the war, and the best way to end it speedily.”

During a press conference in Jerusalem, he said the new operation would be implemented on “a fairly short timetable”.

The operation will aim “to dismantle the two remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza City and the central camps”, while establishing secure corridors and safe zones to allow civilians to leave the area.

“Israel has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas. Now, we’ve done a great deal. We have about 70 to 75 per cent of Gaza under Israeli control, military control,” he said.

“But we have two remaining strongholds, OK? These are Gaza City and the central camps in Al Mawasi.”

A Hamas spokesperson later called the prime minister’s comments a “series of lies”.