Palestinian homes suffered severe damage due to Israeli airstrikes in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip (Reuters).

The Israeli site “Walla” revealed today, Monday, that “the plan to occupy Gaza City will inflict severe losses on Hamas but also involves significant risks for the Israeli army.”

This step comes amid ongoing tensions between the two sides, with international warnings about the consequences of any wide military escalation.

The site reported that “Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz will review tomorrow a plan involving about 80,000 soldiers in a campaign aimed at encircling and occupying the city, in a move intended to pressure Hamas and restart negotiations through international mediators.”

According to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir approved the plans yesterday, Sunday, noting that “army estimates indicate that the occupation of Gaza may take about four months.”

These moves come after years of repeated tensions and conflicts between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has previously launched several large military operations resulting in significant human and material losses.