Netanyahu says Hamas refuses to lay down its arms."Given Hamas's refusal to lay down its arms, Israel has no other option but to complete the mission and defeat Hamas once and for all," the Israeli prime minister said in a press conference, the BBC reports.

He states that approximately 70-75% of Gaza is under Israeli military control, but says there are two"remaining bastions" where Hamas militants are reportedly located: Gaza City and the "central camps."

Netanyahu continues to defend his government's plan to take control of Gaza City, which has been widely condemned on the international stage, including by Western allies.

"Contrary to false claims, this is the best way to end the war and the best way to end it quickly. We will do this by first allowing the civilian population to safely leave the combat zones and take refuge in designated safe areas, where they will receive sufficient food, water and medical care, as we have done before. And, again, contrary to false claims, our policy throughout the war has been to prevent a humanitarian crisis, while Hamas' policy has been to create one," the prime minister said.

Netanyahu says he wants to establish a"civilian administration" in Gaza after the defeat of Hamas.