DHAKA: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of a "prolonged" military campaign in Gaza, reports BBC.

Netanyahu said Israel would continue to act until it had achieved its aim of destroying militant group Hamas’ network of underground tunnels.

The assertion comes amid an upsurge of violence in Gaza and southern Israel, despite a UN plea for a cessation of hostilities.

Fighting continued in the early hours of Tuesday, with attacks reported from both sides.

Officials say over 1,070 Palestinians, most of them civilians, including women and a large number of children, have been killed in the fighting since July 8.

Israel says 48 of its soldiers and three civilians - two Israelis and a Thai worker, have been killed.

BDST: 1116 HRS, JUL 29, 2014