Israel says Hadar Goldin, 23, missing soldier is dead

Hadar Goldin, 23, went missing after clashes between Israeli soldiers and Hamas fighters in southern Gaza. He was believed to have been captured by militants during fighting, leading to the collapse of a ceasefire shortly after it had been declared.

The Israel Defense Forces said it had determined that Lt Goldin, previously considered captured, had died.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has said the operation in Gaza will continue according to Israel's security needs.

Hamas had denied it was holding the 23-year-old captive, saying it did not know the soldier's whereabouts.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has promised that Hamas will pay an "intolerable price" for attacks on Israel.Continue....

'Intolerable price'

Earlier, Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to continue the Israeli offensive in Gaza until "we achieve our objective of restoring security to you, Israeli's citizens".

"Hamas again mistakenly believes that the people of Israel do not have the will and determination to fight them and Hamas again will learn the hard way that Israel will do whatever it must do to protect its people," he said.

The Islamist group would pay an "intolerable price" for attacks on Israel, Mr Netanyahu added.

Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum dismissed Mr Netanyahu's comments as "confused" and said the group would "continue to resist until we achieve our goals"

BBC