Netanyahu orders Israeli forces to press attacks against militants in Gaza Strip

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that he had ordered Israeli forces to press attacks against militants in the Gaza Strip and deploy in strength around the Palestinian enclave after a two-day surge in cross-border fighting.

"This morning I instructed the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) to continue with massive strikes against terrorists in the Gaza Strip and I also instructed that forces around the Gaza Strip be stepped up with a tank, artillery and infantry forces," Netanyahu, who doubles as Israeli defence minister, said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies.)