The Israeli military has initiated actions for a planned ground offensive aimed at taking control of Gaza City. Troops are currently active in areas like Zeitoun and Jabalia, setting the stage for this operation. Defense Minister Israel Katz approved the plan, which will later be reviewed by the security cabinet.
To support the effort, around 60,000 reservists are being called up this September, allowing active-duty forces to focus on the operation. This move is expected to force many Palestinians in Gaza City to evacuate towards shelters in southern Gaza.
This plan has drawn criticism from several allies. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern that this could escalate violence, risking a cycle of war in the region. Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) highlighted that escalating hostilities could worsen the dire situation for Gaza’s 2.1 million people.
The Israeli government’s decision to expand its military action came after indirect talks with Hamas for a ceasefire and hostage release fell through last month. Brigadier General Effie Defrin from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Hamas has been significantly weakened after 22 months of conflict. He emphasized that the offensive aims to destroy Hamas’s infrastructure and reduce its hold over civilians.
In preparation, IDF troops already control parts of Gaza City’s outskirts. They’ve discovered an underground tunnel in Zeitoun containing weapons. To protect civilians, the IDF plans to issue warnings for them to evacuate.
Local officials in Gaza have described the situation as precarious, particularly in neighborhoods like Zeitoun and Sabra. On a single day, airstrikes reportedly killed 25 individuals, including innocent children and their parents in a refugee camp.
As the conflict escalates, the ICRC has raised alarms about the potential humanitarian crisis growing more severe. They stressed that people in Gaza are exhausted and need urgent support, not further displacement or fear. Their statement urged an immediate ceasefire and unobstructed humanitarian aid.
Efforts for a ceasefire are ongoing, with Qatar and Egypt acting as mediators. They recently proposed a 60-day truce, which Hamas has accepted. However, Israel has yet to formally respond and insists on a comprehensive solution to ensure all hostages are released.
This military campaign began shortly after a significant attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and numerous kidnappings. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry reports that over 62,000 individuals have perished, making their figures among the most cited for casualty statistics.
The current ordeal reflects the dire need for resolution and compassion amid prolonged conflict that has taken a heavy toll on both sides.
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