JERUSALEM, May 3 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Saturday it issued call-up orders to tens of thousands of reservists in preparation for an escalation of its military campaign in the Gaza Strip.

During a security briefing on Friday, the IDF outlined its expanded operational plans in Gaza to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The security cabinet is expected to meet on Sunday to vote on formally approving the plans, which Netanyahu has already greenlit.

Israeli media reported that the stated objective of the current campaign is to increase pressure on Hamas to agree to a hostage release deal, rather than to eliminate the Palestinian military group.

Israeli authorities have consistently cautioned that if no agreement is reached soon, a full-scale assault aimed at dismantling Hamas could begin. The forthcoming phase of the offensive will include IDF activity in additional areas of the Gaza Strip.

According to the IDF, the reservists being called up Saturday evening are expected to report for duty starting next week. Many of them have likely been mobilized multiple times for the conflict. ■