Israel is on the brink of launching an operation to occupy the entirety of Gaza , according to reports.

The Israeli security cabinet is expected to approve the escalation plan later today, with the aim of destroying Hamas and forcing it to give up the remaining hostages, according to Israeli media.

Reports suggest that the military will enter the roughly 25 per cent of Gaza that it does not currently control, including areas where hostages are being held.

The chief of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, said: “Whatever the political echelon decides, we will execute.”

Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, removing troops and settlements, but maintained control over the Strip, including imposing a blockade.

The UN , British Government and human rights organisations co

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