During a security briefing on Friday, the IDF outlined its expanded operational plans in Gaza to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The security cabinet is expected to meet on Sunday to vote on formally approving the plans, which Netanyahu has already greenlit.

Israeli media reported that the stated objective of the current campaign is to increase pressure on Hamas to agree to a hostage release deal, rather than to eliminate this military group.

This next stage of the campaign will involve IDF operations in additional areas within the Gaza Strip. Israel's Security Cabinet is scheduled to convene on Sunday to formally vote on the approval of these plans.

Gaza’s health authorities reported that more than 2,300 people have been killed and over 6,000 injured since March, when Israel resumed its military operations.