It would mark a stunning escalation of the 22-month war in the territory that has already been largely destroyed and where experts say famine is unfolding.

Israel’s military chief warned against a full takeover of Gaza, according to three Israeli sources familiar with the discussions, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considers ordering the “conquest’ of the besieged territory.

Israel’s security cabinet will convene tomorrow to approve Benjamin Netanyahu’s new war plan, namely, to step up the conflict and occupy the entire Gaza Strip. The move, largely opposed by Israel’s public and military top brass, could risk ‘catastrophic consequences and further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages’ the UN has warned.