Israel to expand military operations in Gaza to establish ‘sustained presence’

Plan goes beyond any aims so far outlined and is likely to prompt international concern and fierce opposition

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Israel is to expand its military operations in Gaza in the coming weeks, with the aim of conquering" the territory and establishing a sustained presence" there, Israeli officials have said.

The plan, which was unanimously approved at a security cabinet meeting late on Sunday, goes beyond any aims so far outlined by Israel for its offensive in the devastated Palestinian territory and is likely to prompt deep international concern and fierce opposition.