The Israeli military declared Gaza City “a dangerous combat zone” on Friday, as it prepared to conquer the Palestinian territory’s largest city after almost two years of war.

The Israeli security cabinet will meet Tuesday evening in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesman said, with local media reporting it would discuss renewed negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

Twenty-one countries, including Britain and France have condemned  Israel’s approval of a major settlement project in the West Bank, describing the plan as unacceptable and a violation of international law.

“If they do not agree, Gaza, the capital of Hamas, will become Rafah and Beit Hanoun,” he added, referring to two cities in Gaza largely razed during previous Israeli operations.

A senior Israeli official on Tuesday said the government stood firm on its call for the release of all hostages in any future Gaza ceasefire deal, after Hamas accepted a new truce proposal.