Gaza plan is approved

AN Israeli military official has said that the country's top generals have approved plans to begin a new phase of operations in some of Gaza's most densely populated areas.

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Speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, the official said that the military will be operating in parts of Gaza City where the Israeli military has not yet operated and where the Hamas militant group is still active.

Israeli troops are already operating in the Zeitoun and Jabaliya neighbourhoods of Gaza City in order to prepare the groundwork for the expanded operation, which is expected to receive approval from the military's chief of staff in the coming days.