Israel gave final approval Wednesday for a settlement project that would effectively split the occupied West Bank in two, possibly destroying hopes for a future Palestinian state.

Israel's operations in Gaza City could begin within days, even as negotiators scramble to get Israel and Hamas to agree to end their 22 months of fighting.

As the Israeli military announced the first steps for its operation to take over Gaza on Wednesday, Hamas said that Israel's plan showed its "blatant disregard" for efforts of the mediators to broker a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

Israel plans Gaza City offensive, calling 60,000 reservists; Hamas accepts 60-day ceasefire proposal with hostage swaps.

Israel to call up 60k reservists, extend 20k more for expanded Gaza City assault as ceasefire talks stall and humanitarian crisis deepens.

Displaced residents of Gaza City are split over a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas that could allow them to return to their homes.

Some members of Israel’s coalition have ruled out a proposed hostage deal with Hamas, but the prime minister has yet to state his position.

Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shifted Israel’s stance and demanded the release of all 50 remaining hostages at once. The move coincided with Netanyahu’s declaration that Israel intends to occupy Gaza City and other areas of the territory in an effort to ratchet up pressure on the group.