Israel is intensifying airstrikes in neighborhoods on the outskirts of Gaza City, raising alarm among residents as the Israeli security cabinet plans to meet Thursday to formally approve plans that would expand the war in Gaza.

Israel launched strikes on Gaza City overnight as it moved forward with a new offensive in the Palestinian enclave despite international condemnation and mounting domestic protests

The planned offensive has drawn condemnation from the United Nations, which warned it would lead to the forced displacement of about a million Palestinians.