Meanwhile Israel's defence minister threatens that "the gates of hell" would be opening unless Hamas agrees to disarm and release all hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will give final approval for the takeover of Gaza City while also restarting negotiations with Hamas aimed at returning all the remaining hostages and ending the war on Israel’s terms.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday announced the approval of a plan to capture Gaza City, but also held out the prospect of new negotiations on a ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.