Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the terms of a ceasefire in Gaza proposed by Hamas and rebuffed US pressure to move more quickly towards a mediated settlement to the war, saying there could be no solution to Israel’s security issues except "absolute victory" over the militant group. Netanyahu said it would require months more fighting before Hamas was defeated and victory was "within reach". There had been mounting international concern that Israel was preparing a ground offensive in Rafah. UN officials have said an assault there would lead to a "large-scale loss of life" and the risk of war crimes Netanyahu rejects Gaza ceasefire deal and says victory is ‘within reach’