Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing to ask the security cabinet this Thursday to authorise a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip, according to multiple Israeli media reports. The proposal would extend Israel’s ground campaign into the roughly 25 percent of the enclave that remains outside its control after nearly two years of fighting. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior commanders have warned that advancing into areas where an estimated 49 hostages are believed to be held could jeopardise their lives and over-extend the Israel Defense Forces. Zamir presented alternative options during a three-hour meeting with Netanyahu on Tuesday, but the prime minister signalled he intends to press ahead, saying the army is "prepared to implement any decision." Netanyahu has scheduled further consultations with opposition leader Yair Lapid ahead of the cabinet session. Defence Minister Israel Katz has vowed to ensure the military carries out whatever policy is approved, while far-right coalition partners continue to lobby for the re-occupation and possible resettlement of the territory. The debate has drawn international concern. UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca told the Security Council that an expanded Israeli offensive would be "deeply alarming" and risk "catastrophic consequences" for Gaza’s 2.2 million residents. Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 61,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October 2023, a conflict that started after Hamas attacks left 1,219 people dead inside Israel.