Thousands of Israeli reservists are being mobilized for an expanded military operation within Gaza City
Israel has announced plans for a large-scale military operation in Gaza City, aiming to target Hamas' vast underground tunnel network and capture the city, which serves as both a military and governing stronghold for the militant group.
The operation, expected to receive final approval from the chief of staff in the coming days, has been accelerated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who ordered the city’s faster capture than originally planned. Preparatory measures have already been initiated, and the military is set to issue reserve summonses for early September, with most forces from active soldiers already holding Gaza's outskirts.
The Israeli military has announced plans to call up 60,000 reservists and extend the service of an additional 20,000 currently serving for this expanded operation. The operation could begin within days, marking the largest mobilization of reservists in months.
Defense Minister Israel Katz has approved a new phase of operations in some of Gaza's most densely populated areas. The groundwork for the expanded operation is being prepared in the Zeitoun and Jabaliya neighborhoods of Gaza City.
The objective of the war, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is to secure the release of remaining hostages and ensure Hamas and other militants can never again threaten Israel. Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that he will oppose a deal that doesn’t include the "complete defeat of Hamas."
The situation in Gaza is dire, with more than 112 children having died of malnutrition-related causes since the war began, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry. Over 154 adults have died of similar causes since late June. The Gaza Health Ministry does not specify the number of civilians or combatants among the dead, but states that women and children make up around half of them.
The planned offensive comes amid heightened international condemnation of Israel's restrictions on food and medicine reaching Gaza and fears of another mass displacement among Palestinians. A growing campaign of exhausted reservists accuses the government of perpetuating the war for political reasons and failing to bring home remaining hostages.
Egypt and Qatar have been waiting for Israel's response to the ceasefire proposal. The ceasefire proposal accepted by Hamas is still awaiting a response from Israel. Egypt's Foreign Minister Bader Abdelattay stated that "The ball is now in Israel's court."
Israel is in constant contact with the mediators in an effort to secure the release of hostages. Ahmed Alhendawi, regional director of Save the Children, described the situation in Gaza as "apocalyptic reality for children and their families."
The international community continues to watch closely as the situation in Gaza unfolds, with hopes for a peaceful resolution and the safety of all civilians remaining paramount.
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