Casualties are growing in the Gaza Strip as Israel's military has stepped up its offensive in the enclave.



The Israeli military announced on Friday evening that it will expand its operations in Gaza to destroy the Islamic group Hamas.



The military said it will carry out extensive strikes and mobilize ground troops with aim of achieving "operational control" in parts of Gaza.



Palestinian health authorities said on Saturday that 153 people were confirmed dead within a 24-hour period. They said that the overall death toll since the start of the conflict has risen to 53,272.



In the largest Israeli commercial city of Tel Aviv on Saturday, people held a large-scale rally in protest against the Israeli military operations in Gaza.



Protesters warned that the military campaign would put the lives of hostages in danger. They urged the government to secure the release of hostages and a ceasefire through dialogue with Hamas.



One woman said the government should stop the war and withdraw Israeli troops from Gaza. She said, "there is no excuse for more killing."



Both sides continue their ceasefire negotiations in Qatar.



Arab media reported on Saturday that the Hamas delegation and mediators discussed a proposal that calls for a two-month truce in exchange for the release of hostages.