Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would give his final approval for the takeover of Gaza City, as negotiations with Hamas continue, aimed at returning all remaining hostages and ending the war on Israeli terms.
At a meeting of senior security officials on Thursday, Netanyahu was expected to give his response and a decision, but no decision was announced.
Meanwhile, Hamas said earlier this week that it had agreed to a ceasefire proposal from Arab mediators that, if accepted by Israel, would halt the offensive.
In addition, the Israeli military has begun calling medical officials and international organizations in the Northern Gaza Strip, to convince them to evacuate them so that the operation can be expanded. The military plans to mobilize 60,000 reservists while 20,000 will be called up for service and operations.
The current Israeli strike has killed 36 Palestinians across Gaza, according to local hospitals.
Accordingly, a new offensive could bring more casualties and displacement, as the war has already killed 10,000 and continues to threaten imminent famine.
