What to know on the fifth day of the latest Israel-Palestinian war

By ISABEL DEBRE
Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Israel will “crush and destroy” Hamas in response to the militant group’s bloody weekend attack. Netanyahu made the pledge during a late-night televised address Wednesday as Israeli warplanes continued to pound Gaza on the war’s fifth day. During his address, Netanahu said Hamas committed numerous atrocities in their attack on Israel, including shooting children in the head. In the Gaza Strip, meanwhile, Palestinian suffering mounted as the enclave’s only power plant ran out of fuel Wednesday. Israel’s bombardment demolished neighborhoods and sent thousands scrambling for shelter. U.S officials said they are working with Israel and Egypt to secure safe passage for civilians trapped in Gaza.