DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to give final approval Thursday for plans to take over Gaza City, an operation that could start within days. The widening of the 22-month offensive against Hamas appears to be proceeding despite protests in both Israel and the Palestinian enclave.

Satellite images taken over and around Gaza City point to preparations for the expanded military operation and show signs internally displaced people are already fleeing.

Netanyahu stated that in tandem, he directed "the immediate initiation of negotiations" for the release of all the hostages and ending the war in Gaza on Israel's terms. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he has approved the IDF’s takeover plans for Gaza City,

Palestinians in Gaza City take to the streets to demand an end to Israel's war in the strip, as Benjamin Netanyahu approves military plans for the full takeover of Gaza's largest population hub.

Dozens of Palestinians staged a protest in Gaza City on Thursday against the war and forced migration. Waving Palestinian flags, demonstrators gathered amid destroyed buildings, rubble, and tents for the displaced.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that he is giving the final approval for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) takeover of Gaza City and reopening talks with the Palestinian

An Israeli military spokesman says troops will deepen the damage to the "terror infrastructure" held by Hamas.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says it rejects "any step that would undermine what remains of the health system".