OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper reiterated Canada's support for Israel Wednesday in a conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Prime Minister's Office says Netanyahu updated Harper on the situation in Israel, including steps taken to defend itself against attacks by Hamas.

The Israeli military pummelled Palestinian targets again Wednesday across the Gaza Strip and threatened a broad ground offensive.

Israel began an offensive on Tuesday in response to weeks of rocket launches, and officials said the airstrikes would continue until the firing stops.

As the Palestinian death toll rose to at least 75, neither side showed any sign of halting their heaviest fighting since an eight-day battle in late 2012.

The PMO says Harper reiterated Canada's steadfast support for Israel and its right to defend itself against terror attacks. Both leaders agreed that Hamas must end its targeted attacks on Israeli citizens.