The Israeli military has declared its intention to mobilize around 60,000 reservists in preparation for a planned ground offensive to capture and occupy the entirety of Gaza City. A military spokesperson confirmed that the reservists will be activated in September, mostly consisting of active-duty soldiers. In the meantime, military forces have already been deployed in the Zeitoun and Jabalia regions to forge ahead with operational preparations. This decisive plan has received the approval of Defence Minister Israel Katz and will be reviewed by the security cabinet in the coming days.
The offensive raises alarms as hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza City are anticipated to be ordered to evacuate towards shelters located in southern Gaza. Both international allies of Israel and humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, have voiced strong opposition to the plan, warning of a potential "horrific humanitarian impact" following 22 months of prolonged conflict. The Israeli government has indicated its goal to conquer the entire Gaza Strip after halting indirect negotiations with Hamas, which recently failed to yield a ceasefire or hostage release deal.
Despite regional mediators striving for agreement before the military action escalates, the proposed 60-day ceasefire and partial hostage release has been met with skepticism. Israeli officials insist on a comprehensive deal that includes the release of all hostages, with only 20 estimated to be alive among the roughly 50 held in Gaza.
As part of "Operation Gideon's Chariots," the IDF confirmed on Wednesday the mobilization of 60,000 reservists to facilitate the next phase of military action. An additional 20,000 reservists, previously activated, will continue their service. Senior military commanders have emphasized that the approaching operation will be conducted gradually and with precision. According to Defence Minister Katz, the campaign aims to fundamentally reshape Gaza upon its conclusion, while measures are being taken to support civilians by establishing additional food distribution centers and field hospitals in the region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that the mission aims not only to secure the release of all hostages but also to "completely defeat" Hamas. Concurrently, operations have resumed in Jabalia and surrounding areas to dismantle military infrastructures and minimize potential risks to civilians; the IDF is urging those in affected areas to move south for their safety.
However, humanitarian groups and Gaza's Hamas-run Civil Defense agency have reported dire conditions in impacted neighborhoods, explaining that ongoing shelling continues to cause widespread fear and destruction. Recent Israeli strikes have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, with the situation worsening as hospitals in southern Gaza operate well beyond capacity due to the inflow of injured individuals.
The ongoing conflict initiated by the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel in October 2023 has resulted in over 62,000 fatalities in Gaza alone, with the UN highlighting severe humanitarian challenges, including widespread displacement, property destruction, and imminent food shortages that could culminate in famine.
