"The security sector has approved the Prime Minister's proposal to defeat Hamas," the Israeli prime minister's office said in a statement on August 8.
"The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will prepare to take over Gaza City and ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to civilians outside the conflict area," the statement said.
The decision, made after more than 10 hours of consultations in the security cabinet, was the first phase of an attack that could include the Israeli Defense Forces occupying the entire Gaza Strip.
US officials said that President Trump has decided not to intervene and let the Israeli government make its own decision.
Israeli officials said the Israel Defense Forces plan to issue evacuation orders to about 1 million Palestinians living in Gaza City and neighboring areas before launching a new attack.
The new operation, which aims to occupy new areas in central Gaza, including Gaza City, is expected to last at least several months and force about 1 million Palestinian civilians to evacuate.
The Israel Defense Forces will also advance into areas where Israeli officials believe they are holding hostages and could endanger their lives.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his intention to take military control of the entire Gaza despite opposition and warnings from Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Eyal Zamir.
Eyal Zamir said that the complete takeover of the Gaza Strip would leave the Israeli army stranded in the land and endanger the remaining hostages.
