The plan announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stops short of the full occupation of the Gaza Strip that he had discussed earlier.

Israel said early Friday that it plans to take over Gaza City, drawing rejection from the Palestinians and international condemnation. The decision, agreed in a late-night meeting of its security Cabinet, marks a further escalation of Israel's 22-month war with Hamas. It also provoked worries in Israel over the fate of hostages still held by Hamas.