GAZA, — Israel said early Friday that it plans to take over Gaza City in another escalation of its . The decision, taken after a late-night meeting of top officials, came despite mounting international calls to end the war and protests by many in Israel who fear for the remaining .

Israel’s air and ground war has already killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza, , and . Another major ground operation would almost certainly exacerbate the humanitarian catastrophe.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier outlined more sweeping plans in an interview with Fox News, saying Israel planned to take control of all of Gaza. Israel already controls around three quarters of the devastated territory.

The final decision, which came after Israel's Security Cabinet met through the night, s

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