Israel Katz: Operational plans for the city of Gaza approved

According to Katz's office, this also includes the relocation of residents of the largest city in the Gaza Strip. The decision had already been made on Thursday, he said.

Israeli media had previously reported that Katz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and military officials were to meet on Thursday for a security consultation to approve the operational plans for the capture of the city of Gaza.

"The gates of hell will open"

Katz announced intensive attacks on the area. "The gates of hell will soon open on the murderers and rapists of Hamas in Gaza - until they agree to Israel's terms to end the war," the defense minister threatened. Otherwise, the city of Gaza will look like Rafah and Beit Hanun. Both places have been extensively destroyed by Israeli bombardments.

According to estimates, around one million people are still living in the city of Gaza. The already catastrophic situation of the civilian population could be made even worse by the offensive.

On Thursday, Netanyahu also held out the prospect of further negotiations on the release of the hostages kidnapped from Israel. Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas on a new ceasefire have so far been unsuccessful and were recently interrupted.

There has also been speculation in Israel that Israel's announcement of an extension of the war could be a negotiating tactic to put Hamas under pressure.