In addition to being charged as criminals, Palestinians citizens of Israel – who make up around 20% of the country’s population – have lost jobs, been suspended from schools and faced police interrogations posting online or demonstrating, activists and rights watchdogs say.

But the country is highly likely to return to the efforts if both Israel and Hamas show ‘serious political willingness’ to reach a deal, according to an official with Egypt, the other key mediator.

Israel has carried out airstrikes in Syria multiple times over the past year, but it has not previously made public any ground forays into Syria.

Israel has escalated its airstrikes and waged a bigger ground operation in northern Gaza in recent weeks, saying it is focused on rooting out Hamas militants who have regrouped after more than a year of war.