Israel: Control over northern Gaza just first step in 'long war'

Controlling the northern Gaza Strip is only the first step in Israel's plan to crush Hamas, the army announced on Thursday.

"Control over northern Gaza is the first step of a long war," Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told reporters.

"We are preparing for the next stages, we are looking forward in the coming days we will focus on planning and fulfilling the next stages of the war."