Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with senior ministers on Thursday to discuss plans for expanding military operations in Gaza. This meeting comes amid growing criticism both domestically and internationally regarding the ongoing conflict, which has lasted nearly two years.

The security cabinet will convene following a tense three-hour meeting earlier this week between Netanyahu and the head of the military, who reportedly expressed concerns about escalating the campaign. Opinion polls indicate that a majority of Israelis favor ending the war through a deal that would secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.

Netanyahu's government has maintained a stance of seeking total victory over Hamas, which launched a deadly attack on Israel in October 2023, igniting the current conflict. The prospect of Israeli forces advancing into areas of Gaza that they do not currently control has raised alarms among the public.

Einav Zangauker, the mother of a hostage, urged citizens to protest against the expansion of military operations, stating, "Someone who talks about a comprehensive deal doesn’t go and conquer the Strip and put hostages and soldiers in danger." The Hostages Families Forum has also called on military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to oppose any plans for escalation and to pursue a deal that would end the war and free the hostages.

Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed that the military would follow the government's directives until all objectives are met. Israeli leaders have long insisted on disarming Hamas and ensuring it has no future role in a demilitarized Gaza.

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over reports of a potential expansion of military operations, labeling them as "deeply alarming." Currently, there are 50 hostages believed to be held in Gaza, with Israeli officials estimating that around 20 of them are alive. Most hostages released thus far have been freed through diplomatic negotiations.

Ceasefire talks that could have led to the release of some hostages collapsed in July. Recently released videos of two living hostages showed them in frail condition, prompting international condemnation.

Hamas, which has governed Gaza for nearly two decades, insists that any agreement must lead to a permanent end to the conflict. However, Israel accuses the group of lacking genuine intentions to relinquish power.

The Israeli military claims to control approximately 75% of Gaza, where the population of about two million has faced repeated displacements over the past 22 months. Aid organizations warn that residents are nearing famine.

Aya Mohammad, a 30-year-old resident, expressed the despair of displacement, saying, "You know what displacement is? It means your dignity is wiped out, you become a homeless beggar, searching for food, water, and medicine."

According to Gaza's health ministry, nearly 200 Palestinians have died of starvation since the war began, with almost half being children. Rabeeha Jamal, a 65-year-old mother, stated her intention to remain in her home despite warnings from the Israeli military to evacuate. "We don’t have anywhere to go," she said, calling for an end to the conflict.

Netanyahu faces mounting international pressure to negotiate a ceasefire while also contending with internal demands from far-right coalition members who advocate for a full occupation of Gaza and the re-establishment of settlements. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed hope that the government would approve military control over the remaining parts of Gaza.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with over 61,000 Palestinians reported killed by Israeli military actions, according to Gaza health officials. On Thursday alone, at least 20 Palestinians were killed in airstrikes across the territory.