Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan Friday to take over Gaza City in a major escalation of its war against Hamas — with the risky move expected to take place in phases. The announcement stopped short of stating Israel would take over the entire Palestinian enclave;

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that the Cabinet backed the occupation attempt.

The Israeli military “will prepare for taking control of Gaza City while distributing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population outside the combat zones,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said.