By Alexander Cornwell, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Charlotte Greenfield JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel's security cabinet approved a plan on Friday to take control of Gaza City, a move expanding military operations in the shattered Palestinian territory despite growing criticism at home and abroad over the almost two-year-old war.

Israel says it plans to take over Gaza City in another escalation of its 22-month war with Hamas. The decision, made after a late-night meeting of top officials, drew Palestinian rejection and fueled mounting international calls to end the war.

Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to occupy Gaza City, the Prime Minister’s Office said Friday.