Israeli troops have begun encircling Gaza City in the north of the Palestinian enclave. Two infantry and tank brigades are now operating on the ground in the Zeitoun area on the city's outskirts, following heavy naval and air strikes. Another infantry brigade is operating in the Jabaliya district.

As Benjamin Netanyahu's government considers whether to accept a temporary ceasefire agreement proposed by Qatar and Egypt and accepted by Hamas on Monday, the Israeli army has announced preparations and the launch of its offensive targeting the enclave's largest city, which is home to more than 800,000 people under normal circumstances and likely closer to 1 million when refugees are included.

"We will be moving into a new phase of combat, a gradual, precise and targeted operation in and around Gaza City, which currently serves as Hamas's main military and governing stronghold," a military source, speaking anonymously, told international press on Wednesday. "Some of these areas are zones where we have never operated before."

The push to take full control of the city has gone ahead even as Israel awaits Netanyahu's decision in regards to a proposed temporary ceasefire to allow for the release of some hostages and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces. "Additional troops will join the operation in the near future," said army spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday. "We are not waiting," he added. "Already now, IDF troops are holding the outskirts of Gaza City." However, the army has said it can halt its offensive at any moment if the political leadership accepts a ceasefire.

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