DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The United Nations has said it will “reduce its footprint” in the Gaza Strip after an Israeli tank strike hit one of its compounds last week, killing one staffer and wounding five others.

"The Secretary-General has taken the difficult decision to reduce the Organization’s footprint in Gaza, even as humanitarian needs soar and our concern over the protection of civilians intensifies," the statement said.

Israel is making plans for a potential major ground offensive in Gaza that would involve sending tens of thousands of troops into combat to clear and occupy large swaths of the enclave, an Israeli official and a second source familiar with the matter said.

With the ceasefire in Gaza having collapsed after Israel resumed its bombing campaign, the Israeli military is expanding its activities there.

Israel’s political and military leaders are considering plans for a fresh ground campaign that could include a military occupation of Gaza for months or more.