Israel has mobilised approximately 60,000 reservists ahead of a planned ground offensive to capture and occupy Gaza City, the Israeli military announced Wednesday, as ceasefire negotiations remain stalled despite Hamas accepting a new truce proposal.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued orders for the reservists to report for duty in September as part of preparations for “the next phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” according to a military statement. An additional 20,000 reservists already deployed will have their service extended.
Defence Minister Israel Katz approved the operation on Tuesday, with the plan expected to go before the security cabinet later this week. Military officials said troops are already operating in the Zeitoun and Jabalia areas as preparation for the offensive, which will involve five divisions conducting what commanders described as a “gradual” and “precise” operation.
Hamas accepts ceasefire proposal as Israel prepares ground assault
Regional mediators presented a new proposal for a 60-day truce and the release of approximately half of the 50 hostages still held in Gaza. Hamas said Monday it had accepted the proposal, though Israel has not submitted a formal response.
Israeli officials insisted Tuesday they would no longer accept a partial agreement, demanding a comprehensive deal for all hostages’ release. Only 20 of the remaining hostages are believed to be alive.
The offensive preparations follow the breakdown of indirect ceasefire talks last month, after which Israel announced its intention to conquer the entire Gaza Strip.
UN warns of “horrific humanitarian impact” from new Gaza offensive
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza City are expected to receive evacuation orders to head to shelters in southern Gaza.
Gaza’s Hamas-run Civil Defence agency reported the situation as “very dangerous and unbearable” in Gaza City’s Zeitoun and Sabra neighbourhoods, where “shelling continues intermittently.” Israeli strikes killed 21 people across Gaza on Wednesday, according to the agency.
The Israeli military launched its Gaza campaign following Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. At least 62,122 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
More than 90% of Gaza’s homes are estimated damaged or destroyed, with healthcare, water and sanitation systems collapsed. UN-backed food security experts have warned that “the worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out” due to food shortages.
Experts, governments, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organisations have accused Israel of carrying out genocide against the Palestinian people.
Read more:
