Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to "finish the job" on Hamas during a press conference in Jerusalem after ordering the invasion of Gaza City.

Speaking to world media, Netanyahu said: "Given Hamas's refusal to lay down its arms. Israel has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas.

"And again, contrary to false claims, our policy throughout the war has been to prevent a humanitarian crisis. While Hamas's policy has been to create it."