Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stressed the legitimacy of the country's military operation in the Gaza Strip, saying "justice is on our side."

The Israeli military announced on Sunday that it had struck more than 3,500 targets in Gaza since December 1 when it resumed operations after a pause.

The military continues its offensive in southern Gaza where it suspects Hamas' leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, is hiding in Khan Younis.

Netanyahu said at a Cabinet meeting that the war is continuing intensively in both northern and southern Gaza. He said its aim is to achieve the goals of eliminating Hamas, returning all hostages and ensuring that Gaza will never go back to being a threat to Israel.

Netanyahu also said that he had spoken to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron over the phone.

The prime minister said he told them that it is impossible to support the elimination of Hamas on the one hand, while pressing Israel to end the war on the other.

A radio station operated by the Israeli military reported on Sunday that Hamas fighters told interrogators that they had lost contact with the group's leaders, and that they had no choice but to surrender as they had no idea what to do.

A spokesperson for Hamas' military wing said that the group completely or partially destroyed 180 Israeli military vehicles over 10 days.

The spokesperson stressed that none of the hostages Hamas is holding will be released as long as Israel continues its attacks.

Health authorities in Gaza said on Sunday that about 18,000 people have been killed in the enclave.

The death toll continues to rise as there is no end to the humanitarian crisis in sight.