TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says Israel’s Security Cabinet has approved a plan to take over Gaza City. The decision taken early Friday marks another escalation of Israel’s 22-month offensive launched in response to Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that to destroy Hamas Israel intends to take full control of the Gaza Strip and eventually transfer its administration to friendly Arab forces, as the Security Cabinet discussed a widening of its 22-month offensive.

Expanding military operations in Gaza would put the lives of countless Palestinians and the roughly 20 remaining Israeli hostages at risk while further isolating Israel internationally .

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