The Papers: Earth 'shook' in Gaza and 'extremism crackdown'
1 year ago
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Many of Sunday's papers lead on comments by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described the intensified bombardment of the Gaza Strip as the "second stage" of his country's war against Hamas.
"The earth shook" is the headline in the Sun on Sunday, which focuses on comments from Israel's military chiefs about the recent heavy airstrikes. The Sunday Times says Mr Netanyahu has vowed to "destroy Hamas and rescue hostages", but the paper also reports that there's been a "backlash around the world" to the escalation in the bombing.
Reflecting on the situation for civilians in Gaza, the Mail on Sunday says "panic and fear reign".
The leader column in the Sunday Telegraph says a ceasefire is "out of the question". Israel now knows the genocidal mission of Hamas is not mere rhetoric, the paper says, and "must be allowed to destroy Hamas" for the sake of both Israelis and Palestinians.
The Observer's editorial disagrees, saying that "common humanity and decency, not just political or military objectives" must be our guide. Even a temporary halt to the bombing, it says, "is preferable to the daily, mass deaths of civilians".
The Sunday Mirror says minister Tom Pursglove was seen campaigning with Peter Bone, just two days after the former Conservative MP was suspended for six weeks from the Commons for claims of bullying and sexual misconduct. Mr Bone has previously denied the allegations. The paper published photographs of them knocking on doors in Northamptonshire. Mr Pursglove has not commented.
The Observer reports that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government will use next month's King's speech to advance the expansion of North Sea oil and gas exploration, as well as announce measures that favour motorists. The paper says the aim is to open up a "clear divide on the green agenda" with Labour.