Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that his country will carry out an operation against Hamas in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, regardless of whether or not a ceasefire and the release of hostages is reached.
"The idea that we will stop the war before we achieve all of its objectives is out of the question," Netanyahu said.
Israel and Hamas are negotiating a ceasefire deal aimed at freeing hostages and bringing some relief to Palestinians in the besieged enclave.
But Netanyahu has vowed to achieve "total victory" in the war and his government has said it will launch an offensive in Rafah, which Israel says is Hamas' last major stronghold.
Hopes had risen in recent days that the sides could move toward a deal that would avert an Israeli operation in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's 2.3 million people have taken refuge.