JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel said Friday it will intensify its 22-month war with Hamas by taking over Gaza City, drawing a dismissal from the militant group and renewed international calls to end the conflict, while stirring fears for Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he will give final approval for the takeover of Gaza City while also restarting negotiations with Hamas aimed at returning all the remaining hostages and ending the war on Israel's terms.

Israel’s defense minister says Gaza City could be destroyed unless Hamas accepts Israel’s terms. Earlier this week, Hamas accepted a ceasefire proposal by Arab mediators, almost identical to the one Israel accepted before talks stalled last month.

Despite outrage from its allies, the White House has not commented on a report that found famine in Gaza. Analysts say that without U.S. pressure, Israel’s war will not likely change course.

Even with ceasefire talks ongoing, Israel is pressing ahead with plans to capture Gaza City, the densely populated heart of the enclave. Mr Netanyahu confirmed earlier this month that the security cabinet had approved an operation to retake the city despite growing international condemnation.

Israel’s defense minister warned on Friday that Gaza City could be destroyed unless Hamas accepts Israel’s terms, as the country prepares for an expanded offensive in the area.

Hamas has endorsed a new proposal for a ceasefire deal with Israel in Gaza, as it faces pressure from Arab countries and seeks to ensure its own survival.

Classified intelligence from the Israeli military indicates that 83% of the total deaths in Gaza have been civilians, according to a new report that the IDF has slammed as “incorrect.”