Israel could also go back to the negotiating table and try to do a deal that would end the war entirely. But that might mean pulling back on some of its core demands that Hamas completely surrender its arms. It would be short of the “total victory” Netanyahu has promised.

Two Israeli rights groups said Israel was carrying out "coordinated, deliberate action to destroy Palestinian society in the Gaza strip."

Israel says it is fighting against Hamas, not Palestinians as a group. But two of Israel’s best-known rights groups — long critical of Israeli policy — now say they disagree.