Israel prepares to deploy 60,000 reservists for a ground offensive in Gaza City, raising alarms over the humanitarian impact as hundreds of thousands of residents are expected to evacuate amid ongoing hostilities.
Israel Mobilizes 60,000 Reservists for Ground Assault on Gaza City
Israel Mobilizes 60,000 Reservists for Ground Assault on Gaza City
The Israeli military has announced a significant call-up of reservists as it plans a major offensive in Gaza City, amid escalating tensions and humanitarian concerns.
The Israeli military has mobilized approximately 60,000 reservists, anticipating a large-scale ground offensive aimed at capturing and occupying Gaza City. A military spokesperson revealed that the reservists are scheduled to report for duty in September, with the majority stemming from active-duty forces. In preparation for the operation, troops have already been active in the Zeitoun and Jabalia districts, following a recent approval from Defence Minister Israel Katz, pending confirmation by the security cabinet this week.
The escalation has led to expectations that hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza City will be ordered to evacuate towards southern regions, where shelters are provided. Several of Israel’s allies have denounced the military strategy, while various United Nations and non-governmental organizations have sounded alarms about the potential humanitarian crisis that could arise from ongoing military actions following 22 months of conflict.
Israel's government has announced intentions to assume full control over the Gaza Strip, largely in response to the collapse of peace negotiations with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Regional negotiators are urgently striving to establish an agreement prior to the offensive, proposing a new 60-day ceasefire and the release of nearly half of the 50 hostages that Hamas is reported to be holding. However, Israeli officials maintain that they would not entertain a partial agreement, calling for a comprehensive solution that includes the release of all hostages, with only 20 believed to be alive.
The military plan, referred to as "Operation Gideon's Chariots," involves a careful approach to ensure a "gradual" and "precise" execution, as announced by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). According to military sources, five divisions are expected to participate. Defence Minister Katz emphasized that once the offensive is concluded, "Gaza will change its face," hinting at future plans that may involve relocating citizens to safer areas and providing humanitarian aid.
Recent military operations have reportedly resumed in the northern Jabalia town, focusing on dismantling military infrastructure aligned with Hamas. The IDF has encouraged civilians to move south for their safety to minimize potential harm during the offensive.
Conversely, the Civil Defence agency, managed by Hamas, described conditions in Gaza City as "dangerous and unbearable," with ongoing attacks resulting in casualties, including civilians. Reports indicated that 21 Palestinians were killed due to strikes in recent days, highlighting the persistent violence.
In response to the planned military operations, various humanitarian organizations have jointly warned that intensified actions in Gaza will exacerbate existing vulnerabilities among an already beleaguered population, stating that forced relocations could lead to disastrous consequences, with overcrowded conditions further worsening the scenario.
The conflict, which escalated following the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has led to catastrophic loss of life and displacement, leaving over 62,000 individuals deceased in Gaza and the territory’s fundamental services in disarray, raising grave concerns about the state of food security and living conditions.
