The Israeli prime minister's announcement of plans to take control of Gaza City has been met with concern in Israel, particularly by families of hostages still being held by Hamas.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum: Bring Them Home Now has said the plan "means abandoning hostages".
"By choosing military escalation over negotiation, we are leaving our loved ones at the mercy of Hamas," the group said in a statement.
"The only way to bring the hostages home is through a comprehensive deal."
The move was decided by majority vote at a security cabinet meeting which lasted 10 hours.
