People take to the streets in Rome for protests against violence in the Gaza strip. (Photo: Reuters)

The ground arm and the technological and logistics affairs authority are diligently preparing the defense forces in anticipation of an expanded theater of combat, the Israeli army said in a statement, adding that the attack’s aim is to completely destroy the military capabilities of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza.

But the statement didn’t say when the attack will begin.

On Saturday, talks on solutions to the fighting were held between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian officials in Cairo, and between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and his US counterpart Antony Blinken in Riyadh.

European Council President Charles Michel said on Saturday that he had called on a virtual summit with EU leaders on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. He said it’s of utmost importance that the European Council must set a common position and establishes a clear unified course of action that reflects the complexity of the unfolding situation.

On Friday, tens of thousands of protestors rallied across the Middle East and parts of Asia, Europe, and the US in condemnation of Israel’s attacks on Gaza and in support of the need to protect civilian lives.

In Europe, a huge Palestinian flag was passed overhead at a protest in Rome, and demonstrations took place in other European cities including Brabrand, Berlin and London. Many countries have increased security at mosques and schools that house Jews.

In the US, people in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Portland, and Pittsburgh took to the streets to express solidarity with both Palestinians and Israelis. Police have strengthened security in areas where Jews and Muslim communities live.

Marches in protest of escalating violence in the Middle East also took place in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Japan, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and Yemen.