These two things, to defeat Hamas and get all our hostages released, go hand in hand, says Netanyahu in a video message from the country's southern military command.
He adds that he is there to approve the military's plan to take over Gaza City.
A spokesperson for Israel's military stated on Wednesday evening that Israel has initiated the first phase of the invasion of Gaza City.
On Thursday, Israel has intensified its attacks on the city and a steady stream is fleeing at the same time as the UN demands an immediate ceasefire.
Terror-listed Hamas said as recently as Tuesday yes to a proposal for a ceasefire. Israel has not given any official response to the proposal.
Hamas stated in a statement late on Wednesday evening, Swedish time, that Israel's plan to take over Gaza City shows the country's "obvious nonchalance" towards the mediators' attempts to reach an agreement on a ceasefire.
Corrected: In an earlier version, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was given the wrong title.
