Israel launches massive airstrikes on downtown Gaza City, Netanyahu says: 'We have only started'

The 4-day-old war has already claimed at least 1,600 lives, including at least 1,000 Israelis

Lawrence Richard / FOX News

Israel's counteroffensive into Gaza extended through the night, including airstrikes in Gaza City, home to Hamas' centers of government.

Israeli warplanes pounded downtown Gaza City with relentless bombardments into early Tuesday, after Israel’s prime minister vowed retaliation against the Islamic militant group that would "reverberate for generations."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a nationally televised address, where he said: "We have only started striking Hamas."

He added: "What we will do to our enemies in the coming days will reverberate with them for generations." Read more ad see video here.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS COVERAGE OF ISRAEL'S WAR WITH HAMAS

Israel has, so far, issued warnings to civilians in areas of Gaza City and others where they intend to strike. The warnings have given civilians moments to evacuate so as to reduce the number of civilian deaths. Read more and see video here.