(JERUSALEM) — Israel’s prime minister has declared victory in the Gaza war against Hamas, saying a cease-fire deal gave nothing to the Islamic militant group. In a news conference broadcast on national TV, Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that “Hamas was hit hard” during the seven weeks of fighting. He said that under the cease-fire deal, which took effect on Tuesday, Israel didn’t accept any of Hamas’ demands. More than 2,000 Palestinians were killed in the fighting, and Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire destroyed thousands of buildings. Netanyahu’s address appeared to be aimed at countering critics who have complained that the cease-fire failed to oust Hamas or stop its rocket attacks out of Gaza. Hamas also has declared victory.