Members of the UN Security Council offered their sympathy to Israeli hostages after a video showing an emaciated captive was released by Hamas, but called on Israel to end its self-created humanitarian catastrophe and allow more aid to enter the besieged territory.

The Israeli military “will prepare for taking control of Gaza City while distributing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population outside the combat zones,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said.

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.