Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet with his security cabinet on Thursday, an Israeli official said, as he considers plans to occupy the Gaza Strip despite international condemnation of the deteriorating humanitarian situation there.

Israel’s security cabinet is set to decide on a full reoccupation of Gaza, a move that would mark a major escalation of the conflict in after nearly two years of war in the territory.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with a group of senior ministers on Thursday as the families of the hostages warn that moving into new areas could endanger the captives.