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Israel is preparing to launch an expanded military operation in Gaza city and says it will call 60,000 reserves to scramble to attack the ceasefire to end the 22-month battle between Israel and Hamas.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said on Wednesday that Israeli Defense Minister Katz approved plans to launch a new phase of operation in one of Gaza’s most densely populated areas, and that it would now extend the service of a portion of its troops of another 20,000 reserves.
Human rights groups come when most residents are evacuated, vast areas lie in abandoned, and communities are warning that the humanitarian crisis could worsen in strips where the community is facing a threat of hunger.
Israeli Army officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with military regulations and said they believe that troops are stationed in parts of Gaza, where the IDF is not yet running, and Hamas is still active.
Officials said Israeli forces are already operating in Gaza’s Zeitoun and Jabaliya districts, preparing the basis for the expanded operation.
Gaza city is Hamas’ main military and governing hub, and Israeli forces will target a vast underground tunnel network of extremist groups, officials added.
Israel has targeted and killed many of Hamas’ senior leaders, some of whom are actively reorganizing attacks and carrying out attacks, including launching rockets into Israel.
Operation may start within a few days
It remains unknown when the operation will begin, but it is believed that it could be a few days.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently stated that the main purpose of the war is to ensure the release of the remaining hostages and prevent Hamas and other extremists from threatening Israel again.
The planned attack, first announced earlier this month, raised international concerns and encouraged fear of another massive displacement among Palestinians.
Netanyahu said on August 9 it will span Gaza city and parts of the central camp. Hundreds of thousands of displaced people are evacuated to the cities, holding some of the last wreckage of critical infrastructure.
Some reserves question the goals of the war
The call comes against the backdrop of a tired reserve growth campaign that accused the government of perpetuating the war on political grounds and not taking back the remaining hostages.
The hostage families, the former Army and the head of the Intelligence News, have also expressed their opposition to the expansion operation in Gaza City.
Most hostage families are seeking an immediate ceasefire and are worried that the expanded attack could put the lives of the 50 hostages in Gaza at risk. Israel believes that 20 of them are still alive.
Former military and intelligence chiefs are skeptical that the goal of destroying Hamas is achievable.
Former Singh Bet Head Yoram Cohen called it “fantasy” and “if you imagine you can reach every terrorist and every pit and every weapon, you can bring hostages home in parallel – I think that’s impossible.”
Additional sources •AP
