Israel's security cabinet has approved plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the Israeli military to occupy Gaza City, in an expansion of military operations that comes amid international condemnation of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has faced criticism from several world leaders, including from the UK and Germany, as the UN warns of more "killings and massive destruction".

Netanyahu’s plan paves the way for a phased military takeover of the enclave that could lead to the deaths of more Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages.