Israel paying “heavy price” for war in Gaza, PM Netanyahu says

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the Gaza war has come at a "very heavy price" for his side.

The military says 14 more soldiers have been killed in the Palestinian territory since December 22, bringing the total of the ground assault to 153, according to BBC.

December 23 was one of its deadliest days - but Mr Netanyahu said his forces had "no choice" but to keep fighting.

Meanwhile, the health ministry in Gaza - run by Hamas - says another 166 people were killed in the last day.

More than 20,000 people have been killed - mostly women and children, and 54,000 injured in Gaza since October 7, the ministry says.

Remarking on the latest Israeli troop deaths, Mr Netanyahu said: "This is a difficult morning, after a very difficult day of fighting in Gaza."

But he said his forces would continue with "full force until the end", reiterating his goals of eliminating Hamas and ensuring the safe return of hostages held in Gaza.

"Let it be clear: this will be a long war," the Israeli prime minister added.