GEOFF BENNETT: Welcome to the "News Hour."

Israel, Gaza and much of the world are reacting to a decision by Israel's Security Cabinet to take control of Gaza City.

The move comes nearly two years into the war sparked by Hamas' attack on Israel, a conflict that has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, leveled large parts of the territory and left starvation rampant across the strip.

President Trump has not commented on today's announcement, but it drew swift condemnation from the U.K., Saudi Arabia, Germany and others and sparked protests inside Israel.

Stephanie Sy begins our coverage.

STEPHANIE SY: Outside of the defense minister's home today, family and friends of Israeli hostages gathered in protest.

A long table was set up with empty seats and uneaten bread, a symbol of the many Shabbat dinners missed.

They worry the Israeli government's decision to take over Gaza City will further put the living hostages at risk.

EINAV ZANGAUKER, Mother of Israeli Hostage (through translator): We just want this government to listen to us, to listen to the families, to listen to the people who demand returning everybody.

Until they return, our table cannot be full.

STEPHANIE SY: At the U.N., there was clear condemnation, including warnings about how the decision would affect Palestinians.

STEPHANIE TREMBLAY, Associate Spokesperson for the U.N. Secretary-General: The decision marks a dangerous escalation and risks deepening the already catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians.

STEPHANIE SY: In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his country will suspend exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza.

Some 86 percent of Gaza is already under Israeli military control or under displacement orders.

Most of the enclave's two million people live in Gaza City, Deir al Balah, and in tent camps in the Mawasi area along the coast.

Experts warn a takeover of Gaza City would squeeze the population into an even tighter area and further complicate the distribution of aid.

Ahead of the Security Cabinet meeting yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told FOX News that he wants to take over the whole strip.

BILL HEMMER, FOX News Anchor: Will Israel take control of all of Gaza?

BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, Israeli Prime Minister: We intend to.

STEPHANIE SY: Netanyahu followed up in a post on X today, writing: "We are not going to occupy Gaza.

We are going to free Gaza from Hamas.

Gaza will be demilitarized, and a peaceful civilian administration will be established."

On the ground in Gaza City today, people cleaned up after an Israeli strike overnight, followed by evacuation orders from Israel this morning.

NAFEZ AJOUR, Gaza City Resident (through translator): Why do you want to do a ground invasion?

Where?

I want to understand.

There is nothing left that you did not wipe out already.

There is nothing left.

STEPHANIE SY: Many in Gaza City are taking shelter in tent camps after they were displaced from other areas within the Strip, including Sabrin Naaim and her family.

SABRIN NAAIM, Displaced Gazan (through translator): Where should we go?

We are 21 people.

How will I carry the tents or the children or the pregnant women or those breast-feeding?

What should I do?

Where should I go?

STEPHANIE SY: Meantime, food security experts continue to warn of famine in the territory.

The Hamas-run Health Ministry says some 200 people have died from malnutrition since Israel imposed a near-complete blockade starting in March.

Israel has allowed some aid trucks into Gaza and airdrops from foreign countries in recent weeks.

But those on the ground say it's not enough.

Meanwhile, Egypt and Qatar are reportedly working on a framework for a deal to permanently stop the fighting and release all the hostages at once.

The last round of negotiations involving the U.S. failed last month, with Israel and Hamas blaming each other.

For the "PBS News Hour," I'm Stephanie Sy.