An Israeli official had earlier told Reuters defence minister Israel Katz and strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer, a confidant of Netanyahu, would also attend the meeting to decide on a strategy to take to the cabinet this week.

The prime minister’s office declined to comment on the Channel 12 report.

“The ministry urges countries and the international community to treat these leaks with utmost seriousness and to intervene urgently to prevent their implementation, whether these leaks are meant to exert pressure, test international reactions, or are genuine and serious,” it said.

“If the tanks pushed through, where would we go, into the sea?” said Abu Jehad, a Gaza wood merchant. “This will be like a death sentence to the entire population.”

David’s brother told the Security Council to use its leverage to secure the immediate unconditional release of remaining hostages and to ensure humanitarian aid reaches them.

Ilay David, on screen, holds up a picture of his brother Evyatar, who is being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, during a United Nations Security Council meeting in New York. Source: EPA / Justin Lane

“Every moment of delay is a step closer to final tragic outcome,” Ilay David told the meeting.