Israel Mobilizes Reservists to Widen Offensive in Gaza City
JERUSALEM — With tensions escalating in Gaza City, Israel has initiated the mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists in order to expand its offensive. This move has stirred up domestic opposition and drawn condemnation from the international community.
Announced last month, the call-up comes as Israeli ground and air forces intensify their operations, targeting more areas in northern and central Gaza. Recent strikes have focused on parts of Zeitoun and Shijaiyah, two western neighborhoods of Gaza City that have been frequent battlegrounds in the ongoing conflict against Hamas militants.
Zeitoun, once a bustling neighborhood in Gaza City, now lies in ruins with empty streets and destroyed buildings. The IDF has labeled it a “dangerous combat zone” as the fighting escalates.
Gaza City serves as Hamas’ political and military stronghold, believed to still house a significant tunnel network despite Israeli efforts to dismantle it. The city is also a refuge for hundreds of thousands of civilians in the north of the Strip, facing both the threat of combat and the looming specter of famine.
According to the IDF, around 60,000 Israeli reservists will be called up gradually, with an additional 20,000 reservists having their service extended. However, there is growing criticism of the war in Gaza, with various movements urging reservists to refuse deployment.
Recent reports from the leading authority on food crises have highlighted a dire situation in Gaza City, with malnutrition-related deaths on the rise. The Gaza Health Ministry reported 185 deaths due to malnutrition in August, the highest monthly count in recent memory.
The conflict began with Hamas militants attacking southern Israel in October 2023, resulting in over 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians. Hamas also took hostages, with 50 individuals still held captive. The subsequent Israeli offensive has led to the deaths of more than 63,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The Israeli military has suffered losses as well, with around 900 troops reported dead. The situation remains fluid as Israel continues its offensive in Gaza City. — Euronews
