UN Warns of Disaster as Israel Plans Gaza City Offensive
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has approved the military’s plan to conquer Gaza City and authorised the call-up of around 60,000 reservists 60,000 reservists for “the next phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots” targeting Gaza City.
Five divisions are set to join the assault, described as “gradual and precise.”
The operation, approved by Defence Minister Israel Katz, aims to fully capture the city after failed ceasefire talks with Hamas.
Katz says the city “will change its face” after the operation.
UN warns of a “horrific humanitarian impact” with mass displacement and worsening humanitarian crisis.
Aid agencies warn the move could cause catastrophic suffering, with southern Gaza already overcrowded and hospitals beyond capacity.
Since October 2023, over 62,000 people have been killed and most homes destroyed.
Evacuations of hundreds of thousands of residents are expected
Mediators have proposed a 60-day truce and partial hostage release, but Israel insists on a full deal.
Katz’s move piled pressure on Hamas as mediators pushing for a ceasefire in the nearly two-year war in Gaza awaited an official Israeli response on their latest proposal.
While mediator Qatar had expressed guarded optimism over the latest proposal, a senior Israeli official said the government stood firm on its call for the release of all hostages in any agreement.
A military official told reporters on Wednesday that approximately 50,000 reservists would be called up, with drafts beginning in September.
The official said the main forces operating in Gaza in the next stage of the offensive would be active duty troops focusing on Gaza City.
The official added that the military was already operating in the Zeitoun and Jabalia neighbourhoods of Gaza City as part of the initial stages of the plan.