Israel bombs Gaza's only power plant as Netanyahu promises 'prolonged campaign'

GAZA, July 29 (UPI) -- Israeli missiles destroyed Gaza's only power station early Tuesday, the latest in the increasingly volatile conflict between the Israeli government and Hamas.

Hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned citizens the ongoing conflict against Palestine will be part of a long campaign against Hamas, Israel launched 76 strikes Monday into Tuesday, attacking Gaza's only source of electricity for 1.8 million Palestinians and targeting key pillars of infrastructure.

In addition to tank attacks on Gaza's lone power plant, Isreali tanks and gunboats also launched strikes on opposing government offices, a Hamas television network and on the home of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

"We need to be ready for a prolonged campaign," Netanyahu said in a televised message.

"We will continue to act aggressively and responsibly until the mission is completed to protect our citizens, soldiers and children."

Netanyahu added that Israel's attacks on Hamas won't end until the network of underground tunnels penetrating the Israel-Gaza border have been neutralized.

Gaza power plant and fuel tanks #GazaUnderAttack #ICC4Israel pic.twitter.com/R89grV3Ltb

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— Layan.Baker (@LayanBaker) July 29, 2014

#Gaza update 1: One of the heaviest nights of bombing by #Israel. 60 strikes; TV stations hit. http://t.co/zHB9ZxOnju pic.twitter.com/yG9tlLus80

— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) July 29, 2014

VIDEO: Massive explosions as air strikes hit Hamas media building in the Gaza Strip http://t.co/RBRKUTrKAu pic.twitter.com/1Dse1u4mUq

— Telegraph News (@TelegraphNews) July 29, 2014