First Thing: Netanyahu says Israel not seeking to occupy Gaza

Prime minister appears to soften statement that Israel could be responsible for Gaza's security indefinitely. Plus, what has turned a pond in Hawaii bright pink?

Good morning.

Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel does not seek to conquer, occupy or govern Gaza after its war against Hamas, but a credible force" would be needed to enter the Palestinian territory if necessary to prevent the emergence of militant threats.

Why is Israel striking near hospitals in Gaza City? The strikes come as the Israeli military pushes deeper into dense urban neighbourhoods in its battle with Hamas militants. Israel has accused Hamas fighters of hiding in hospitals and using the al-Shifa hospital complex as its main command centre. The claim has been denied by the militant group and hospital staff, who say Israel is creating a pretext to strike it.

What does this mean for the Democrats? It will make the Democrats' quest to preserve their majority in the Senate even more difficult. Manchin was one of three Democratic senators representing red states who are facing voters next year, and the party is not viewed as having a strong replacement candidate in West Virginia, a deeply Republican state.