Israeli official: Gaza deal could be struck during Trump visit, or new offensive begins

A senior Israeli defence official has told Reuters that there is a "window of opportunity" for a deal involving the Israeli captives held in Gaza during US President Donald Trump's visit to the region next week, but that if not agreed, Israel will begin a new offensive in the enclave.

"If there is no hostage deal, Operation 'Gideon Chariots' will begin with great intensity and will not stop until all its goals are achieved," the official said.

The comments came after a decision by Israel's security cabinet to approve an expanded offensive.

Israel's scaled-up offensive in Gaza, approved early on Monday, could go as far as seizing the entire enclave, according to an Israeli official.

Israel's Kan reported that security cabinet minister Zeev Elkin said that rather than launching raids in specific areas and then leaving them as the military had done so far, the Israeli forces will now hold the territories they seize until Hamas is defeated or agrees to disarm and leave Gaza. Hamas has ruled out such calls.