DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli strikes across Gaza killed at least 59 people, including women and children, hospital officials said Wednesday, as Israel prepares to ramp up its campaign against Hamas in a devastating war now entering its 20th month.

Israeli ministers have reportedly approved a plan for the full takeover of the Gaza Strip, according to media reports citing unnamed officials. The proposal to seize and occupy the territory for an unspecified period was approved in a vote held by Israel's security Cabinet early Monday, the Associated Press reported.

Israel drew international condemnation on Tuesday over its plans for an expanded Gaza offensive, as the country's far-right finance minister called for the Palestinian territory to be "destroyed".