"Israel" OKs Gaza ground assault expansion

The expansion of the ground offensive on Gaza would require the ‘Israeli' army to deploy thousands of reserve soldiers.

The ‘Israeli' security cabinet has approved expanding a ground offensive against the Gaza Strip to push deeper into populated areas.

"They approved continuing the ground offensive, including a third stage that would broaden it by pushing deeper into populated areas," a senior war official told AFP Wednesday.

The ‘Israeli' raids on Gaza, launched on December 27, have left at least 710 Palestinians dead, while some 3,100 others are injured.

The official added that War Minister Ehud Barak makes the final decision based on the cabinet's voting.

The decision would allow the ‘Israeli' army to continue its ground offensive against the densely-populated sliver with the support of aerial and naval fire support.

The report comes shortly after ‘Israel' said it is considering a Franco-Egyptian proposal for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

'Israel' says its military operation is aimed at stopping rocket attacks launched by Hamas from the Gaza Strip.

Hamas says its attacks are carried out in retaliation for the ‘Israeli' blockade imposed on the strip -- home to 1.5 million Palestinians.

'Israeli' officials had earlier asserted that the military campaign will go on until the full objectives of the 'Operation Cast Lead' are achieved.

The expansion of the ground assault will be the third stage of the ‘Israeli' operation.

In the first phase, launched on December 27, ‘Israeli' warplanes and ships bombarded the sliver. The second stage was the ground offensive, launched late Saturday, into the region.

Reports suggest that the expansion of the ground raids would require Tel Aviv to send thousands of reserve soldiers into Gaza.