Israel's defense forces have initiated a major call-up of reservists, signaling an escalation in the ongoing conflict with Hamas that could soon target the heart of Gaza City.
According to a New York Post report, the Israeli military approved orders on Wednesday to activate 60,000 additional reservists while extending service for 20,000 active troops. This move aims to support a planned occupation of Gaza City, including areas previously avoided during over 21 months of warfare.
Defense Minister Israel Katz authorized the preparations to strengthen the Israel Defense Forces for the next phase against Hamas. A military official indicated that the new troops will focus on neighborhoods in Gaza City where active Hamas battalions are believed to persist.
Troops Prepare Urban Groundwork
Israeli soldiers in the Zeitoun neighborhood are laying the foundation for the expanded operation inside Gaza City. The IDF estimates that Hamas retains operational units there despite heavy losses.
Over 20,000 Hamas fighters were reported killed by the end of 2024, yet the group has managed to reorganize and launch attacks like rocket barrages from the city. Israeli officials attribute this resilience to the militants' ability to regroup amid ongoing hostilities.
The operation's objectives include dismantling Hamas infrastructure, such as rocket launch sites and access points to an extensive underground tunnel system. This push comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on using military pressure to force Hamas to release the remaining 50 hostages and capitulate.
Civilian Toll Raises Alarms
Gaza City currently shelters hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees displaced by northern fighting. Many residents have started fleeing southward since news of the offensive emerged earlier this month, though others remain due to fears of bombardments throughout the Gaza Strip.
Ahmed Alhendawi, regional director of Save the Children, described the situation as dire for civilians. “What we’re seeing in Gaza is nothing short of apocalyptic reality for children, for their families, and for this generation,” he said.
The timing of the full assault remains uncertain, pending approval from the IDF chief of staff expected soon. Meanwhile, some Palestinians hesitate to evacuate, citing persistent airstrikes in southern areas as a reason to stay put.
Domestic Strain Emerges Publicly
The reservist mobilization has sparked concerns about Israel's capacity to sustain the prolonged war effort in Gaza. Local experts and veterans worry that repeated duty tours are exhausting troops, with no clear resolution in sight.
Guy Poran, a retired air force pilot protesting the war, noted that many reservists feel fatigued and frustrated toward those not yet summoned for service. This sentiment reflects broader discontent among those who have served multiple times.
A mass strike starting on Sunday has drawn tens of thousands to protest in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, demanding an end to the conflict. These demonstrations highlight growing domestic pressure on the government amid the extended military campaign.
Gaza Operation Nears Critical Phase
Israel's military, under orders from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is mobilizing 60,000 reservists and extending 20,000 active troops' service to occupy Gaza City fully, where Hamas battalions are active. This escalation occurs in a densely populated area sheltering hundreds of thousands of refugees, aiming to dismantle tunnels and rocket sites after over 21 months of conflict driven by efforts to eliminate Hamas threats and secure hostage releases.
The operation, approved by Defense Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday, awaits final IDF chief of staff approval in the coming days and focuses on neighborhoods untouched so far. It addresses Hamas's regrouping despite losing over 20,000 fighters by 2024, with attacks originating from the city prompting the need for decisive action.
Domestic protests and strikes in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv since Sunday reflect exhaustion among reservists and civilians, potentially leading to negotiations or policy shifts if pressure mounts. Internationally, humanitarian concerns like those voiced by Save the Children's Ahmed Alhendawi highlight risks to families, suggesting possible diplomatic interventions to avert further civilian hardship as the assault proceeds.
