Israel's new offensive in Gaza City could take weeks to start, leaving the door open for a ceasefire, officials say, even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it would get underway "fairly quickly" and end the war with Hamas' defeat.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel plans to widen its coming offensive beyond Gaza City to the last areas not yet under Israeli control

Escalation of the war in Gaza is in sight. Last week, as the famine grew worse, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a plan for his country’s military to take control of Gaza City, a decision roundly condemned as a costly invasion that would create more suffering for Palestinians and risk the lives of the remaining Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity.

Australia's prime minister has accused his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu of being "in denial" over the consequences of the war in Gaza. Anthony Albanese on Monday announced his country would recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, following similar moves by the UK, France and Canada.

Australia reportedly plans to recognize a Palestinian state, joining the UK, France and Canada as concern mounts that Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip is closing down any opportunity for a two-state solution.