This is the Global News podcast from the BBC World Service.

I'm Jeanette Jalil, and in the early hours of Tuesday the 6th of May, these are our main stories.

There's been widespread condemnation of the Israeli government's plan for a big expansion of the military offensive in Gaza and the occupation of more Palestinian territory.

Ukraine's military has said it still has troops active in Russia's Kursk region, despite Moscow's claim last month to have recaptured

the whole area. Jury selection has begun in the sex trafficking trial of American musician

Sean Diddy Combs.

Also in this podcast, Zhao Shintung becomes the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship.

I can't believe that.

Yeah.

Yes.

Thank you.

Thank you. There's been widespread criticism of a plan approved by the Israeli security cabinet

to greatly expand military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The European Union says it could lead to more casualties

and suffering for Gaza's civilian population. There are also fears about what this could mean for

the hostages still being held in the territory. Details of the Israeli plan have been emerging,

including a proposal to possibly occupy Gaza long term and to

distribute humanitarian aid through private companies rather than aid agencies like the UN.

The Israeli government spokesman David Menser made this announcement.

The security cabinet unanimously approved the operational plan to defeat Hamas in Gaza

and return the hostages. Israel has made clear, release the hostages, and for Hamas to lay down

its arms and the war will end. The cabinet also approved the possibility of further humanitarian

...