Israel is facing growing condemnation the prime minister describes as a "global campaign of lies," amid new plans to escalate the violence in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his plan for a final sweep against Hamas strongholds in Gaza in the face of intense condemnation both at home and abroad, describing it as the best possibility for ending the war speedily and recovering the hostages alive.

Defending his plan in a press conference in Jerusalem, Benjamin Netanyahu said the new operation would be implemented on "a fairly short timetable