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.

Earlier I spoke with Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent for the economist.

I asked him why Netanyahu was taking this step now.

He hasn't really found a way to deliver what he promised to the Israeli people, which is total victory.

Hamas is still in control of parts of Gaza.

Hamas is still holding 50 Israeli hostages.

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