Netanyahu has described Gaza City as Hamas’s “capital of terrorism,” claiming that the militant group uses the area to launch rockets at Israeli communities. But it remains unclear what an occupation of the city might look like and how long such an offensive may last.

Israel's war cabinet voted on Monday to occupy Gaza City, a move condemned at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council later that day. On Tuesday the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was "at the beginning of a new state of combat".

Israeli authorities have allowed more aid into Gaza over the past two weeks, but it is not enough, aid agencies say, nor is it getting to those most in need.