Israel says it plans to take over Gaza City. The decision to escalate its 22-month war with Hamas drew a dismissal from the militant group, renewed international calls to end the conflict and stirred fears for hostages still in Gaza.

Israel says it will take over Gaza City, escalating its war with Hamas as it faces growing domestic and international outrage over the 22-month conflict. The plan, announced early Friday local time after a Cabinet meeting that ran late into the night,