Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the population of Gaza will be displaced to the south after his security cabinet approved an expanded military operation in the enclave that a minister described as a plan to “conquer” the territory.

Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas which includes the "capture" of Gaza and the holding of its territory, according to an Israeli official. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the cabinet had decided on a "forceful operation" to destroy Hamas and rescue its remaining hostages,

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared today that Israel was “on the eve of a forceful entry to Gaza.” Israel’s security cabinet voted last night to approve a new plan for tens of thousands of additional soldiers to seize and hold territory in Gaza and relocate Palestinians to the south.