Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has approved the military’s plan to conquer Gaza City and authorised the call-up of around 60,000 reservists, his ministry has confirmed.
When contacted by AFP, a spokesperson from the defence ministry confirmed the reports which appeared in Israeli media.
Mr Katz’s move piles pressure on Hamas as mediators pushing for a ceasefire in the nearly two-year war in Gaza await an official Israeli response on their latest proposal.
While mediator Qatar had expressed guarded optimism over the latest proposal, a senior Israeli official said the government stood firm on its call for the release of all hostages in any agreement.
A military official told reporters on Wednesday that approximately 50,000 reservists would be called up, with drafts beginning in September.
The official said the main forces operating in Gaza in the next stage of the offensive would be active duty troops focusing on Gaza City.
Official reveals more details of Gaza City plan
The Israeli military said it would also lengthen the service of an additional 20,000 reservists currently serving.
It comes as human rights groups warn a humanitarian crisis could worsen in Gaza, where most residents have been displaced, vast neighbourhoods lie in ruins, and communities are facing the threat of famine.
Israel will call up 60,000 reservists before a planned offensive to take Gaza City. (Reuters: Israel Defense Forces)
A military official, speaking to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, said the military will be operating in parts of Gaza City where the Israeli military has not yet operated and where it believes Hamas is still active.
The official said that Israeli troops are already operating in the Zeitoun and Jabaliya neighbourhoods of Gaza City to prepare the groundwork for the expanded operation, which is expected to receive approval from the chief of staff in the coming days.
Gaza City is Hamas’s main military and governing stronghold and Israeli troops will be targeting Hamas’s vast underground tunnel network, the official added.
Although Israel has targeted and killed much of Hamas’s senior leadership, parts of the militant group are actively regrouping and carrying out attacks, including launching rockets towards Israel, the official said.
Gaza City operation could begin within days
It remains unclear when the operation will begin, but it could be a matter of days.
The official said 50,000 reservists will be called up in the coming month, one of the largest mobilisations in months.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently said the objective of the war is to secure the release of the remaining hostages and ensure Hamas and other militants can never again threaten Israel.
The planned offensive, first announced earlier this month, has heightened international condemnation of Israel and fuelled fears of another mass displacement among Palestinians.
Mr Netanyahu said on August 9 that it would span parts of Gaza City and the central camps.
Hundreds of thousands of displaced people are sheltering in the city and it holds some of the last remnants of critical infrastructure.
AP journalists saw small groups heading south from the city this week, but how many will voluntarily flee remains unclear. Some said they were waiting to see how events unfold before moving yet again, and many insist nowhere is safe from air strikes.
AFP/AP
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