Israeli PM Netanyahu says Gaza war has entered "second stage"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday his nation's military has begun "the second stage of the war" against Hamas by expanding ground operations in Gaza despite growing and widespread calls for a humanitarian truce.The prime minister said at a press conference that the war will be "long and hard," as he vowed to rescue more than 200 hostages held by the Palestinian militant group.More than 9,000 people have been killed in Gaza and Israel since the fighting broke out on Oct. 7. Gaza's death toll has reached 7,650 killed, its health authorities said, while residents of the e…READ FULL ARTICLE