Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has sanctioned the military’s strategy to capture Gaza City and has approved the mobilization of about 60,000 reservists, as confirmed by his ministry on Wednesday.
An AFP inquiry to the defence ministry elicited confirmation of these reports, initially circulated in Israeli media.
Katz’s decision intensifies pressure on Hamas as intermediaries seeking a ceasefire in the nearly two-year Gaza conflict await Israel’s formal response to their latest offer.
Although mediator Qatar has shown cautious optimism regarding the recent proposal, a high-ranking Israeli official stated that the government remains steadfast on demanding the release of all hostages as part of any deal.
A military spokesperson on Wednesday revealed that approximately 50,000 reservists will be summoned, with call-ups commencing in September.
The spokesperson highlighted that the primary forces in the upcoming Gaza offensive phase will be active duty soldiers concentrating on Gaza City.
The spokesperson further noted that military operations have already commenced in Gaza City’s Zeitoun and Jabalia areas as the plan’s initial phase.
