NBC Universal, Inc.

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

The plan, announced early Friday local time after a cabinet meeting that ran late into the night, stops short of the full occupation of the Gaza Strip that Netanyahu had discussed earlier.

Stream Philadelphia News for free, 24/7, wherever you are with NBC10. WATCH HERE

Critics have said that taking over Gaza City will prolong the captivity of hostages, entrench the Israeli military even further into the conflict and result in a higher number of Palestinian civilian casualties.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Get top local Philly stories delivered to you every morning with NBC Philade

See Full Page