GAZA, — Israel said Friday it plans to take over Gaza City — an escalation of its that drew a dismissal from the militant group, renewed international calls to end the conflict, and stirred fears for hostages still held in Gaza.

Israel’s air and ground war has already killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza, , and . The timing of another major ground operation remains unclear since it will likely hinge on mobilizing thousands of troops and forcibly evacuating civilians, almost certainly exacerbating 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 territory.

Hamas rejected in a statement

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