Israel’s security cabinet on Sunday approved an expanded military operation in Gaza that would include relocating the enclave’s entire population to the south, according to an Israeli official, while a minister described the plan as a move to “conquer” the territory.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation would be "intensive" and would see more Palestinians in Gaza moved "for their own safety."

Israel has approved a plan to capture all of the Gaza Strip and remain there for an unspecified length of time, Israeli officials say.The plan includes distributing aid, though supplies will not be let in yet.