Israel’s security cabinet approved plans for an expanded operation in the Gaza Strip, Israeli media reports, adding to signs that attempts to stop the fighting and return hostages held by Hamas have made no progress, according to Reuters.

The decision came after comments from both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the head of the military, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir this week indicating that Israel intended to step up the campaign in Gaza.

“As long as Hamas does not release our hostages, we will significantly deepen our military action,” ynet, one of Israel’s main news outlets quoted an unnamed Israeli official as saying.

A spokesperson for Netanyahu’s office declined to comment on the reports, which said the decision would be approved by the full cabinet tomorrow.

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