The Israeli military has announced a significant mobilization, calling up approximately 60,000 reservists in preparation for a planned ground offensive aimed at capturing and occupying all of Gaza City. According to military officials, these reservists are expected to report for duty in September, with the majority of the personnel involved being active-duty troops. As part of the operational preparations, it was noted that forces are already active in the Zeitoun and Jabalia regions.
The offensive plan, which has received approval from Defence Minister Israel Katz, is set to be presented to the security cabinet later this week. As a result of this military initiative, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians residing in Gaza City may face evacuation orders, directing them to seek shelter in the southern regions of Gaza. The potential humanitarian impact of this offensive has drawn condemnation from numerous international allies and warnings from the UN and various non-governmental organizations, emphasizing the catastrophic consequences of further mass displacement following 22 months of ongoing conflict.
In the backdrop of this military escalation, Israel's government has declared its intention to conquer the entire Gaza Strip after indirect negotiations with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and hostage release deal collapsed last month. Regional mediators are actively attempting to broker an agreement before the offensive commences, proposing a new 60-day truce and the release of approximately half of the 50 hostages currently held in Gaza. Hamas indicated its acceptance of this proposal on Monday, but Israel has yet to respond formally. Israeli officials have reiterated their stance, demanding a comprehensive agreement that ensures the release of all hostages, with reports suggesting that only 20 of the captives are believed to be alive.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the call for reservists was issued on Wednesday as part of the preparations for the next phase of Operation Gideon's Chariots, which initially launched in May. In addition to the 60,000 new reservists, 20,000 troops previously called up will receive extended orders. Senior commanders within the military have approved a strategy for a gradual and precise operation in and around Gaza City, with the chief of staff, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, expected to finalize operational details in the coming days. Reports indicate that five divisions will participate in this upcoming offensive.
Defence Minister Katz stated that once the operation concludes, the landscape of Gaza will undergo significant changes. Furthermore, he has approved plans for accommodating residents of Gaza City in southern areas, including the coastal al-Mawasi region, where the military has initiated the establishment of additional food distribution points and field hospitals.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted the military's objectives, which include securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas and ensuring the complete defeat of the Palestinian armed group. The IDF reported on Wednesday that the Givati Brigade resumed operations in northern Jabalia and the outskirts of Gaza City, focusing on dismantling military infrastructure and eliminating threats. Civilians have been advised to relocate southward to minimize risks to their safety.
In contrast, a spokesperson for Gaza’s Hamas-run Civil Defence agency, Mahmoud Bassal, informed AFP that the situation in the Zeitoun and Sabra neighborhoods is perilous and unbearable, with ongoing intermittent shelling. On Wednesday, the agency reported that Israeli strikes had resulted in the deaths of 21 individuals across Gaza, including a tragic incident in the Shati refugee camp where three children and their parents lost their lives due to a bombing.
