Israel Mobilizes 60,000 Reservists for Imminent Gaza City Offensive
Israel Mobilizes 60,000 Reservists for Imminent Gaza City Offensive
Israel is poised to launch a major ground offensive to capture and occupy Gaza City, mobilizing approximately 60,000 reservists for the operation. These troops are expected to report for duty in September as part of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” which commenced in May and has already seen the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) gain control of over 75% of the Gaza Strip.
Defence Minister Israel Katz approved the offensive plan earlier this week, which is slated for review by the security cabinet. The IDF has indicated that five divisions will participate in the “gradual, precise and targeted operation,” set to involve troops entering previously untouched areas of Gaza City. Preparations are already underway, with forces active in the Zeitoun and Jabalia areas, and the Givati Brigade recently resuming operations in northern Jabalia and the outskirts of Gaza City to dismantle infrastructure and eliminate fighters.
The planned offensive is expected to trigger a mass evacuation order for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza City, directing them towards shelters in southern Gaza, including the al-Mawasi area where field hospitals are to be established.
The international community has voiced strong condemnation. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the offensive “can only lead to disaster for both peoples and risks plunging the entire region into a cycle of permanent war.” The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has also expressed grave concerns, stating that further displacement and intensified hostilities would worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian situation for Gaza’s 2.1 million residents.
The escalation follows the breakdown of ceasefire and hostage release talks between Israel and Hamas last month. Mediators Qatar and Egypt have presented a new proposal for a 60-day truce and the release of half of the 50 remaining hostages, a deal Hamas reportedly accepted on Monday. However, Israeli officials have insisted on a comprehensive agreement for the release of all hostages, with only an estimated 20 believed to still be alive. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated the military’s objectives: securing all hostages and the “complete defeat” of Hamas.
Recent days have seen continued violence, with the IDF issuing orders for the 60,000 reservists on Wednesday, alongside extending orders for 20,000 already mobilized. On Wednesday alone, Israeli strikes and fire reportedly killed 21 people across Gaza, including a family in Shati refugee camp. The IDF also reported repelling an infiltration attempt by 15 Palestinian fighters in Khan Younis, resulting in one Israeli soldier severely injured and 10 attackers killed. The UN human rights office has documented 54 Israeli attacks on residential buildings in Gaza City since August 8.
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