Israel's military has announced the mobilization of approximately 60,000 reservists, with an additional 20,000 currently serving personnel having their service extended. Defense Minister Israel Katz approved the plan for an expanded military operation targeting Gaza City, which is expected to commence in the coming days, with reservists reporting for duty by early September.
This significant call-up occurs as ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue. Hamas has accepted a 60-day truce proposal, which includes a phased release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, Israel has not yet officially responded to this proposal, maintaining its position that all hostages must be released and Hamas dismantled before a lasting ceasefire can be agreed upon.
The approved military plan involves a phased approach to seize control of Gaza City, targeting Hamas's extensive underground tunnel network. Israeli troops are reportedly already preparing groundwork in the Zeitoun and Jabalia neighborhoods. This escalation comes amid international warnings about a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where a significant portion of the population is already displaced and facing severe shortages.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that over 62,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023. The United Nations has previously stated that casualty figures provided by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza have proven consistently credible in past conflicts.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military preparations and diplomatic efforts to bridge the gap between the two sides. The scale of the reservist mobilization underscores the gravity of the planned military action and its potential impact on the humanitarian conditions in Gaza.