Israeli Military Mobilizing 60,000 Reservists for Ground Offensive in Gaza City
JERUSALEM — The Israeli military is gearing up for a massive ground offensive in Gaza City, with plans to mobilize around 60,000 reservists ahead of the operation.
A military official disclosed that the reservists would be summoned for duty in September, with the majority of troops involved being active-duty personnel. Troops are already on the move in areas like Zeitoun and Jabalia as part of the preparations for the offensive, which received approval from Defence Minister Israel Katz and is set to be presented to the security cabinet later this week.
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza City are expected to be instructed to evacuate to shelters in southern Gaza as the Israeli military’s operation unfolds.
Despite backlash from many of Israel’s allies, the UN, and various non-governmental organizations warning of dire humanitarian consequences following 22 months of conflict, Israel is adamant about its intentions to capture the entire Gaza Strip after ceasefire talks with Hamas fell through last month.
Regional mediators are scrambling to broker a truce before the offensive kicks off, with a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of some hostages already accepted by Hamas. However, Israel is pushing for a comprehensive deal that includes the release of all hostages, with the IDF issuing orders to call up 60,000 reservists in preparation for the upcoming operation.
The offensive, dubbed “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” is expected to be a precise and gradual operation in and around Gaza City, involving five divisions. Defence Minister Katz has vowed that Gaza will undergo a transformation once the operation concludes.
As tensions escalate, the humanitarian impact of the impending offensive remains a significant concern, with UN agencies and NGOs cautioning against the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents to overcrowded and ill-equipped areas in southern Gaza. The healthcare system is already strained, and the risk of famine looms large in the region.
With casualties mounting on both sides and tensions at a breaking point, the situation in Gaza City remains precarious as Israel prepares to launch its most significant offensive yet.
