It was not clear when the offensive, which would be the latest in successive attempts by the Israeli military to clear the militants from Gaza City, would begin.

“The timeline that we set for the action is fairly quickly. We want, first of all, to enable safe zones to be established so the civilian population of Gaza City can move out,” he added.

Netanyahu criticises Palestinian statehood plans

“It’s not going change our position. Again, we will not commit national suicide to get a good op-ed for two minutes.”

Israel won’t occupy Gaza: Netanyahu

European representatives at the United Nations said famine was unfolding in Gaza and Israel’s plan would only make things worse.

According to the UN, at least 1.9 million people, or about 90 per cent of the population across the Gaza Strip have so far been displaced during the war. Source: AP / Jehad Alshrafi

“Expanding military operations will only endanger the lives of all civilians in Gaza, including the remaining hostages, and result in further unnecessary suffering,” Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia and the United Kingdom said in a joint statement.

Netanyahu said Israel was working with Washington on creating a surge of aid into Gaza, including by land.

Al Jazeera journalists killed

Al Jazeera said five of its staff died in the attack including journalists Anas Al Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh and three photojournalists.

Calling Al Sharif “one of Gaza’s bravest journalists,” Al Jazeera said the attack “is a desperate attempt to silence voices in anticipation of the occupation of Gaza.”