Escalating Tensions: Israel Mobilizes 60,000 Reservists for Gaza City Offensive

Israel has mobilized 60,000 reservists ahead of a planned offensive to capture Gaza City, amid fears of a humanitarian disaster as hundreds of thousands of Palestinians may be forced to evacuate. As regional mediators seek to secure a ceasefire, the UN warns of catastrophic impacts from further military actions in an already devastated area.

As tensions heighten in the region, the Israeli government has called up approximately 60,000 reservists in preparation for a planned ground offensive aimed at conquering Gaza City. This operation comes amid ongoing unrest and the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. According to an Israeli military official, most soldiers involved will be active-duty personnel, with operations already underway in the Zeitoun and Jabalia areas to set the stage for the offensive approved by Defence Minister Israel Katz.

The planned military engagement is expected to displace hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, reinforcing international concerns about the humanitarian impact following nearly two years of continued conflict. The United Nations and several NGOs have condemned the plan, noting it could lead to a catastrophic situation for civilians already facing severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and safe shelter.

Given the failure of indirect talks for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, the Israeli government is firm in its resolve to secure the release of all individuals held by Hamas while aiming to neutralize the group’s military capabilities. Mediators in the region are attempting to establish a 60-day truce, which includes the release of approximately half the hostages, but Israeli officials have stated they will not accept a partial agreement.

In a statement on preparations for what they designate as "the next phase of Operation Gideon's Chariots," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have indicated that at least five divisions will take part. Reports suggest that Defense Minister Katz expressed intentions to modify Gaza's landscape radically, establishing new locations for displaced individuals, with the military opening food distribution points and field hospitals in safer zones.

Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remains perilous. Israeli operations have intensified in areas like Jabalia, where the military is reportedly dismantling military infrastructure. Civilian safety has been a major concern, with calls for residents to move south to minimize risks, though Hamas officials have described the conditions in southern areas as "dangerous" and "unbearable."

Humanitarian agencies have issued stern warnings, asserting that the intensification of military actions carries dire consequences for an already beleaguered civilian population, much of whom have faced repeated displacements and significant loss. Efforts must be made to address the growing crisis, as the overwhelming majority of Gaza's population is suffering from damages to homes, healthcare systems, and the looming threat of famine due to severe food shortages.