Prime Minister Ehud Olmert pledged Sunday to press ahead with Israel’s offensive in northern Gaza, brushing off international calls to halt the fighting and Palestinian complaints of dwindling supplies of water, food and other staples.

The death toll in Israel’s five-day sweep through the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun rose to 48 on Sunday, when four Palestinians, including two Hamas militants, were killed, according to Palestinian health officials. Israel launched the drive last week to try to stop daily rocket barrages aimed at Israeli towns.

The Vatican and European Union have expressed grave concerns about the offensive, but Olmert told his Cabinet on Sunday it was necessary to “considerably reduce the (rocket) fire and prevent terror.” He said Israel has no intention of reoccupying Gaza after last year’s pullout.