JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel said Friday it plans to take over Gaza City — in what would be an escalation of its 22-month war with Hamas that drew a dismissal from the group, renewed international calls to end the conflict, and stirred fears for hostages still held in Gaza.

Israel's decision to expand its military offensive to seize control of Gaza City has sparked widespread international alarm, with Qatar saying the plans undermine efforts to secure a ceasefire. Qatar's Foreign Ministry said in a statement late on Friday that Israel's decision to "fully occupy the Gaza Strip" was a "dangerous escalation that

The military leadership has said it preferred a new cease-fire, and the military’s chief of staff previously raised concerns about troop exhaustion.