Israel declares victory over Hamas after Gaza ceasefire

ISRAEL declared victory tonight in the war against Hamas, saying the organisation was "hit hard" during seven weeks of fighting.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said they will not tolerate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said they will not tolerate "a sprinkle of rocket fire" [GETTY]

The country's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had not accepted any of Hamas' demands under a ceasefire deal which took effect yesterday.

In a televised news conference, Mr Netanyahu's address appeared to be aimed at countering critics who have complained that the ceasefire failed to oust Hamas or stop its rocket attacks out of Gaza.

We won't tolerate even a sprinkle of rocket fire at any part of Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

He warned that Israel would respond vigorously if the truce is not observed.

"We won't tolerate even a sprinkle of rocket fire at any part of Israel," Mr Netanyahu said.

"We would respond even more vigorously than before," he added.

He is facing strong criticism in Israel over the costly conflict with Palestinian militants in which no clear victor emerged.

More than 2,000 Palestinians, including nearly 500 children, were killed in the fighting, and Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire destroyed thousands of buildings, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless.

Israel says Hamas is responsible for the heavy civilian death toll, noting that militants carried out attacks from residential areas and often used apartment buildings, mosques or schools for cover.

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