Israel’s security cabinet has voted to expand the war in Gaza, marking a major escalation at a time when it is under intense domestic and international pressure to end the conflict.

Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to take over Gaza City, the Associated Press reported, citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office

Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan for the military to take control of Gaza City after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to take over the entire enclave.

LONDON and TEL AVIV -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet with his security cabinet on Thursday, an Israeli official said, as he considers plans to occupy the Gaza Strip despite international condemnation of the deteriorating humanitarian situation there.

The Israeli government's plan for a full-scale military takeover of Gaza will cause more deaths and suffering and must be halted immediately, the United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said on Friday.