Some 20 countries called Israel's plan to seize Gaza City a "dangerous escalation." Meanwhile, the UK pledged millions more in relief supplies, saying it wants the Palestinian territory "flooded with aid.

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

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.