, May 5 -- Israeli ministers on Monday approved a plan to intensify military operations against Hamas in Gaza, according to an official. The strategy includes capturing additional territory within the conflict-hit Palestinian enclave and mobilizing tens of thousands of reserve troops.

The official, who requested anonymity due to regulations, said the escalation would unfold gradually. This move could signal a major intensification of hostilities, which resumed in mid-March after Israel and Hamas failed to extend an eight-week ceasefire.

On Sunday, Israel's Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced the activation of tens of thousands of reserve soldiers and stated the military would expand operations in new parts of Gaza, continuing t...