Israel's security cabinet approved a plan to take control of Gaza City, a move expanding military operations in the shattered Palestinian territory that drew strong fresh criticism at home and abroad on Friday over its pursuit of the almost two-year-old war.

The military leadership has said it preferred a new cease-fire, and the military’s chief of staff previously raised concerns about troop exhaustion.

China expressed grave concern about Israel's security cabinet approving a plan for the military to "take control" of Gaza City, urging Israel to stop the dangerous move at once. Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an integral part of the Palestinian territory,