Tonight on PBS News Weekend, amid mounting criticism at home and abroad, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defends plans to occupy Gaza City as the fastest way to end the war.

Then the challenges facing new college graduates as they struggle with the

toughest job market in a decade at a charter school in Florida that weaves caring for farm

animals into its curriculum changing young lives. We need to create students who are feeling

confident to be outside getting their hands dirty, being hands on. And middle school kids are at an age where I feel like they're not confident to be outside, getting their hands dirty, being hands-on.

And middle school kids are at an age where I feel like they're not given a lot of trust.

So when you give them that trust, they just shine. Good evening. I'm John Yang.

In the face of mounting international condemnation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

defended his plan for a military occupation of Gaza City.

At a news conference, Netanyahu lashed out at what he called a global campaign of lies

and said Israel has no other choice but to keep fighting to defeat Hamas.

Our goal is not to occupy Gaza.

Our goal is to free Gaza, free it from Hamas terrorists.

The war can end tomorrow if Gaza, or rather if Hamas, lays down its arms and releases all the remaining hostages.

He spoke as the United Nations Security Council gathered at UN headquarters for an emergency meeting on Gaza.

A humanitarian official warned that Israeli occupation would only make conditions in Gaza worse.

I'm extremely concerned of the prolonged conflict, the reports of atrocities, and further

human toll that is likely to unfold following the government of Israel's decision to expand

military operations in Gaza.

This marks a grave escalation in the conflict that has already inflicted unimaginable suffering.

While most of the diplomats criticized Netanyahu's occupation plans,

the United States defended Israel, saying it has the right to decide what's best for its security.

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