Israel Launches Major Gaza City Offensive Amid Manpower Crisis and Global Condemnation

JERUSALEM – Israel has commenced the initial phases of a large-scale offensive on Gaza City, a move that coincides with the urgent call-up of tens of thousands of reservists to bolster its forces. The operation, aimed at what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describes as one of Hamas’s final strongholds, necessitates an additional 60,000 reserve troops and extended service for 20,000 more.

The intensifying military action has triggered widespread international and domestic outcry, fueled by mounting fears of a deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and increased peril for the remaining hostages. Despite these concerns, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin confirmed Wednesday that troops are already on the outskirts of Gaza City, marking the beginning of the expanded operation. Netanyahu has reportedly instructed the military to accelerate the previously estimated five-month timeline for the takeover.

This latest push comes as the Israeli military grapples with significant challenges, including widespread exhaustion and burnout among its personnel after nearly two years of conflict. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir previously warned the security cabinet about attrition, but his concerns were reportedly dismissed. A recent survey from Agam Labs at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem indicates that approximately 40% of soldiers feel less motivated to serve, underscoring potential manpower limitations.

Adding to the internal strain, a contentious debate over mandatory military service for ultra-Orthodox men is unfolding. While military leaders advocate for their conscription to alleviate the burden on current troops, the government is pushing for a broad exemption, a decision that has sparked anger among many who serve. Some reservist organizations, including “Soldiers for Hostages,” have even renewed calls for soldiers to decline orders, reflecting a growing dissent, though official refusal rates are not published.

Veteran reservist Avshalom Zohar Sal, who has completed multiple deployments in Gaza, expressed his reluctance to return, calling the new operation “a death sentence for the hostages.” He questioned the government’s dual goals of hostage return and Hamas defeat, suggesting the latter has become the sole, unattainable objective. Former IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz similarly predicted some reservists would not report for duty, emphasizing the right to act according to conscience.

The expanded offensive targets a city already home to over a million displaced Palestinians. More than 22 months since the October 7, 2023 attacks, Gaza continues to suffer from severe hunger, disease, and displacement under Israel’s siege. The UN reports a tripling of child malnutrition cases in Gaza City in less than six months, with UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini describing it as “man-made, preventable starvation,” a claim the Netanyahu government repeatedly denies.

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