Israel may seize the Gaza Strip and control aid in an expanded offensive against Hamas that has been approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, Reuters reports.

An Israeli defence official said it would not be launched before US President Donald Trump concludes his visit to the Middle East.

A government spokesman told journalists online that reserve soldiers were being called up to expand operations in Gaza, not to occupy it.

One Israeli government official said the newly approved offensive would seize the entire territory of the Gaza Strip, move its civilian population southward and keep humanitarian aid from falling into Hamas’ hands.

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