CAIRO, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Palestinians reported the heaviest bombardments in weeks on Monday in areas east of Gaza City, just hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he expected to complete a new expanded offensive against Hamas "fairly quickly".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Israel's goal was not to occupy Gaza, but to "free Gaza."

Benjamin Netanyahu said his plan to expand military action in Gaza is “the best way to end the war”. The Israeli prime minister told a press conference in Jerusalem that he has “no choice” but to “finish the job” and “defeat” Hamas.