An Israeli official had informed Reuters that defense minister Israel Katz and strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer, a close associate of Netanyahu, were also part of the meeting to prepare a strategy for the cabinet’s consideration this week.

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

“The ministry calls on nations and the international community to take these leaks seriously and to act promptly to prevent their implementation, regardless of whether they are intended to apply pressure, assess international reactions, or are genuinely serious,” it stated.

“If tanks advance, where are we supposed to go, into the sea?” said Abu Jehad, a local wood merchant in Gaza. “This could essentially be a death sentence for the entire population.”

David’s brother urged the Security Council to apply pressure to secure the unconditional release of the remaining hostages and to guarantee that humanitarian aid reaches them.

Ilay David, appearing on screen, displayed a photo 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.