WIDESPREAD opposition, both within Israel and internationally, have not deterred Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from his plan for the country’s army to illegally clear and occupy Gaza City.

The Israeli military began calling medical officials and international organisations in the northern Gaza Strip today to encourage them to evacuate the area ahead of the expanded operation. 

This came the day after the armed forces announced the call-up of 60,000 reservists and the extension of service for 20,000 already called up to support the expanded onslaught.

Mr Netanyahu was expected to give his final approval to the operation during a security cabinet meeting last night, according to an official who was not authorised to speak to the media.

Meanwhile, at least 36 Palestinians were killed in air attacks in central and southern Gaza Strip today, according to local hospitals.

Israeli troops are already operating in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighbourhood and in the Jabaliya refugee camp in the north of the coastal enclave.

United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres repeated his call for an immediate end to armed violence.

“I must reiterate that it is vital to reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages to avoid the massive death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza City would inevitably cause.”

The expansion of the military campaign provoked protests in Israel and Gaza. 

In Gaza City, hundreds of people gathered holding placards reading “Save Gaza” and “Stop the war, stop the savage attack, save us.”

In Israel, families of some of the 50 hostages still being held in Gaza gathered in Tel Aviv to condemn the expanded operation. Israel believes around 20 hostages are still alive.

“Enough to sacrifice the hostages. Enough to sacrifice the soldiers, both regular and reservists. Enough to sacrifice the evacuees. Enough to sacrifice the younger generation in the country,” said Bar Goddard, the daughter of Meni Goddard, whose body is being held by Hamas.

Israel authorities gave final approval on Wednesday to a settlement project in the occupied West Bank that would effectively cut the territory in two, leading Palestinians and human rights groups to warn that it would destroy any hopes of a future Palestinian state.

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich boasted: “The Palestinian state is being erased from the table, not with slogans but with actions. 

“Every settlement, every neighbourhood, every housing unit is another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea.”