Israeli Assault Will Continue ‘as Long as Needed,’ Netanyahu Says

Neither Israel nor Hamas indicated that an end to the worst violence between Israel and Palestinian militants since 2014 was in sight.

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It began Monday, sparked by growing unrest over control of Jerusalem and attempts by Jewish settlers to take over Arab-controlled communities.

Speaking to crowds of protesters in the Qatari capital of Doha, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said Saturday the fighting was primarily about Jerusalem.

"The Zionists thought ... they could demolish Al-Aqsa Mosque. They thought they could displace our people in Sheikh Jarrah," Haniyeh said, according to the Associated Press.

"I say to Netanyahu: do not play with fire," he continued, amid cheers from the crowd. "The title of this battle today, the title of the war, and the title of the intifada, is Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Jerusalem."

Earlier Saturday, Israel expanded its assault against the Hamas leadership, striking the home of Khalil al-Hayeh, a leader in the political branch. There were no reports of casualties.

Dozens of Hamas military leaders, including senior commanders, as well as fighters, have been killed, Israel says. Hamas admits some commanders have been killed but says the toll is far lower.

Israeli airstrikes also destroyed a high-rise building in Gaza City where the Associated Press and Al-Jazeera are based.

A 12-story building that housed apartments and other offices in addition to the media organizations was reduced to rubble Saturday by Israeli missiles after the building’s owner received a warning by telephone from the Israeli military one hour before the attack.

AP staffers and other building occupants evacuated the building immediately, but Al-Jazeera continued to broadcast the airstrikes as the building collapsed.

“Al-Jazeera will not be silenced,” an on-air anchorperson said. “We can guarantee you that right now.”

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AP President and CEO Gary Pruitt said in a statement the news organization was “shocked and horrified” by Israel’s attack on the building, while noting it had received a warning from Israel.

“The world will know less about what is happening in Gaza because of what happened today,” Pruitt warned.