Israel’s Plan to Take Over Gaza City Stirs Fears for Civilians and Hostages

Buildings destroyed in Israeli strikes surround makeshift shelters for displaced Palestinians in Gaza City on August 8, 2025. Israel’s military will “take control” of Gaza City under a new plan approved by the Premier’s security cabinet, touching off a wave of criticism from both inside and outside the country. (Photo by Bashar TALEB / AFP) (Photo by BASHAR TALEB/AFP via Getty Images)

JERUSALEM (AP) — 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’s air and ground war has already killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza, destroyed vast areas and pushed the territory toward famine. The timing of another major ground operation remains unclear but will almost certainly exacerbate the humanitarian catastrophe. Meanwhile, two Arab officials told the Associated Press that mediators from Egypt and Qatar are working on a new framework that will include the release of all hostages in one go in return for an end of the war in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the strip.