Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel plans to take full control of Gaza but does not intend to administer the territory.
Netanyahu made the remarks at a Security Cabinet meeting that discussed the latest plan following a series of military operations against the Palestinian territory since October 2023.
The meeting was held as Netanyahu was under intense pressure to reach a ceasefire to save the people of Gaza and free the hostages of the Palestinian militant group.
During the cabinet meeting, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem and demanded that the hostage release agreement be implemented.
At a time of heightened tensions, Netanyahu told the US news agency (US), Fox News that Israel wants to take full control of the Gaza Strip.
He is expected to receive Cabinet approval to expand the ground offensive into densely populated areas believed to be the location of the hostages, Israeli media reported.
