The Israeli military is preparing a major ground offensive to take control of Gaza City, mobilizing about 60,000 reservists. These reservists will begin reporting in September, with active-duty personnel comprising most of the offensive forces. Initial operations are already targeting Zeitoun and Jabalia areas in preparation, following approval from Defense Minister Israel Katz. The security cabinet will review the plan later.
A large evacuation of Gaza City’s Palestinian population is expected, directing them to shelters in southern Gaza. The plan has drawn condemnation from many of Israel’s allies and concerns from the UN and NGOs, citing a severe humanitarian impact after 22 months of ongoing conflict.
Israel plans to seize the entire Gaza Strip after previous ceasefire and hostage release negotiations with Hamas fell through. Regional mediators are pushing for a new 60-day truce, coupled with a partial hostage release, but Israel demands a full release of all hostages.
The Israel Defense Forces have issued orders for the reservists to support “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” initially launched in May. An additional 20,000 reservists are extended in their current roles. A phased military plan around Gaza City has been approved by senior military leaders, which Lt Gen Eyal Zamir will soon finalize. Five divisions are projected to participate in this operation.
Defense Minister Katz stated post-operation intentions include changing Gaza’s dynamics and restructuring living conditions in the region. Israel’s objectives focus on securing the hostages’ release and defeating Hamas. IDF announced that the Givati Brigade continues operations in northern Jabalia and near Gaza City, dismantling military setups and urging civilian displacement for safety.
Reports from Gaza depict conditions as dire, with intermittent shelling and civilian casualties. On Wednesday, Israeli strikes allegedly killed 21 individuals in Gaza, with further tragedy at the Shati refugee camp as an airstrike reported five family members dead.
UN agencies and NGOs warn the impending offensive will exacerbate existing humanitarian crises in Gaza. The anticipated forced displacement southward risks worsening the situation, with southern areas already overcrowded and strained. Hospitals in these regions are beyond capacity, leading to potentially life-threatening outcomes.
This escalation follows a Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023, resulting in significant Israeli casualties and hostage-taking. Since then, the conflict has claimed over 62,122 lives in Gaza, with enormous displacement and infrastructure devastation. Gaza’s residents face severe shortages in essentials, with food scarcity nearing famine conditions.