The United Nations chief, Ban Ki-Moon, is set to travel to Israel in order to intensify efforts to bring about a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Ban arrived in Cairo, Egypt amid international concern surrounding the volatility of the conflict situation.
Following a visit to Jerusalem for talks with the Israeli Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, Ban Ki Moon will meet with the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank town of Ramallah.
Israeli officials have emphasised their readiness to launch a ground invasion, despite western governments urging Israel to avoid such measures to negate the possible outcome similar assault that resulted in the loss of 1400 Palestinian lives four years ago.