Israel gave final approval Wednesday for a settlement project that would effectively split the occupied West Bank in two, possibly destroying hopes for a future Palestinian state.

Israel has launched initial operations to seize Gaza City, calling up reservists as Netanyahu weighed a truce proposal Hamas accepted.

The Israeli military maintained its pressure on Gaza City with heavy bombardments overnight, residents said, ahead of a Thursday meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his ministers on plans to seize the enclave's largest city.

JERUSALEM (AP) — A key mediator on Tuesday stressed the urgency of brokering a ceasefire in Gaza after Hamas showed a “positive response” to a proposal, but Israel has yet to weigh in as its military prepares an offensive on some of the territory’s most populated areas.

Displaced residents of Gaza City are split over a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas that could allow them to return to their homes.

Some members of Israel’s coalition have ruled out a proposed hostage deal with Hamas, but the prime minister has yet to state his position.

Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shifted Israel’s stance and demanded the release of all 50 remaining hostages at once. The move coincided with Netanyahu’s declaration that Israel intends to occupy Gaza City and other areas of the territory in an effort to ratchet up pressure on the group.

Official says plan would see 60-day ceasefire, hostage release in two phases; Qatari PM reportedly traveling to Egypt to meet with Hamas representatives, Egyptian president