Israel Mobilises 60,000 Reservists Ahead of Planned Gaza City Offensive Amid Humanitarian Warnings
Israel has called up around 60,000 reservists in preparation for a major ground offensive to capture and occupy Gaza City, military officials said. Most of the troops for the operation, scheduled to begin in September, will be active-duty personnel, with orders already issued to an additional 20,000 reservists previously called up.
Troops have begun operations in the Zeitoun and Jabalia areas, with Defence Minister Israel Katz approving the plan on Tuesday. The proposal will be discussed by Israel’s security cabinet later this week. Five divisions are expected to participate in what the Israeli military calls “the next phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots.”
Hundreds of thousands of Gaza City residents are expected to be instructed to evacuate to southern Gaza, including the coastal al-Mawasi area, where additional food distribution points and field hospitals are being set up. Israeli officials have described the operation as “gradual and precise,” aimed at dismantling Hamas military infrastructure and securing the release of hostages.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the offensive seeks to “complete the defeat” of Hamas and secure all hostages, though only 20 of the 50 hostages are currently believed to be alive. Meanwhile, Hamas reported continued shelling in Gaza’s Zeitoun and Sabra neighbourhoods, with at least 21 people killed on Wednesday, including three children and their parents in Shati refugee camp.
The escalation comes after indirect ceasefire and hostage release talks with Hamas broke down last month. Regional mediators have proposed a 60-day truce and partial release of hostages, which Hamas has reportedly accepted. Israel, however, has insisted on a comprehensive deal covering all hostages.
UN agencies and humanitarian organisations have strongly condemned the planned offensive, warning of a “horrific humanitarian impact.” They highlighted that southern Gaza is overcrowded and ill-equipped to handle the influx of displaced residents, with hospitals already operating at several times capacity.
Since the conflict began in October 2023 following Hamas’s attack on southern Israel, at least 62,122 people have died in Gaza. More than 90% of homes have been damaged or destroyed, and critical infrastructure for healthcare, water, sanitation, and food security has collapsed, leaving civilians at extreme risk of famine and further displacement.
