Israel Launches Full-Scale Gaza City Offensive, Mobilizing 60,000 Reservists

Israel has initiated the first stages of a full-scale assault on Gaza City, with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) units already securing the city’s outskirts. The offensive, codenamed ‘Gideon’s Chariots II,’ was approved by Defense Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, and involves the immediate mobilization of up to 60,000 reservists to facilitate the occupation of the city, according to IDF spokesman Eddie Defrin and Israeli military officials.

The intensified military action comes despite Hamas announcing its acceptance of a ceasefire proposal from Qatar and Egypt on Monday, August 18. Israel has yet to comment on Hamas’s decision. Meanwhile, the conflict continues to exact a heavy toll, with the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reporting 58 Palestinian fatalities in Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours.

The escalating offensive has drawn strong international condemnation. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk reiterated his call on August 8 for an immediate halt to the operation, warning of “more massive forced displacement” and “unbearable suffering.” Humanitarian organizations have also highlighted the severe food shortages, labeling the situation “mass starvation” due to the ongoing siege, a claim Israel attributes to Hamas’s looting of aid.

Adding to the complexities, the IDF is facing a significant shortage of 10,000 to 12,000 soldiers. To address this, the military is appealing to Jewish communities abroad, particularly in the United States and France, to encourage young Jews of military age to enlist in the Israeli army. This recruitment drive aims to bring in an additional 600 to 700 soldiers annually from the diaspora.

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