Israel‘s security Cabinet approved a plan to extend the country’s war in Gaza despite domestic and international pressure to end the conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s proposal, which a majority of the security Cabinet approved after hours of negotiations into the early hours of Friday morning,

The Israeli military “will prepare for taking control of Gaza City while distributing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population outside the combat zones,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said.

Israel’s security cabinet is meeting to decide on a military plan for the “complete conquest” of Gaza, a move that, if approved, would mark a significant escalation in the war and risk deepening the humanitarian crisis.