Top Israeli officials hint at lengthy war on Gaza

Top Israeli officials said late on Friday that Israel is prepared for a long war in Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to make Palestinian groups - Hamas and Islamic Jihad - pay a "heavy price" for rocket attacks on Israel. He said the country is bracing for a lengthy military campaign against Gaza.

"Hamas and Islamic Jihad have paid - and will pay - a heavy price for their aggression," Netanyahu said, according to Haaretz.

"It will take time. We’ll restore security for the citizens of Israel," he added. 

Other Israeli officials also warned that the conflict may drag on.

Israel's Defence Minister Benny Gantz said the country has a "duty" to act against Palestinians.

"This is just the beginning," Gantz said on Friday, according to AFP, adding that Israel has many targets to hit in Gaza.

Hamas fired a barrage of rockets towards Tel Aviv in response to an Israeli air strike that destroyed a residential tower block in Gaza. Israeli raids have killed at least 30 Palestinians, including 10 children. Three Israelis have been killed by Palestinian rockets, according to Israeli reports.

Aviv Kochavi, chief of the Israeli army, said Israel is ready to fight "as much as needed".